Should schools teach substance abuse prevention?

The state drug task force is considering a range of legislation aimed at fighting the state’s growing opioid and heroin addiction problems. Among the bills is one sponsored by Sen. Nancy Stiles which would require public school students in grades K-12 to receive substance abuse prevention education every year as part of their health education curriculum.

The full text of the bill has not yet been released. but the move received approval from the task force. It is currently expected to be considered in a public hearing the week of January 12th, and acted upon by the full Legislature by January 21st.*

“It is proven that proper and regular drug and alcohol education is critical in preventing future drug abuse by our students,” Stiles said. “While many school districts already provide drug and alcohol education, this legislation directs that evidence-based prevention education be taught consistently throughout the span of a student’s public education, addressing the problem at a very young age.”

Opponents counter that determining when and how to teach substance abuse prevention is best left to individual school districts or schools, and expressed concern that Stiles’ bill would take power away from schools to set their own policies.

Join the Facebook discussion here.

*Note: a Citizens Voices summary of the Facebook discussion of this question will be presented at the public hearing on this bill.