"UthMpact Facts" Social Norms Campaign

 

 

 

"UthMpact Facts" Social Norms Campaign

The teen years can be difficult because youth identify with their peers and want to spend more time hanging out with them. The behavior of the popular crowd often influences teens' perceived social norms with beliefs that most are engaging in a specific activity such as everyone smokes, has tried drugs or alcohol, or use them on a regular basis. While some teens may engage in risky behaviors, statistics show that in reality most are not smoking, drinking, or using drugs. 

Social norms facts encourage students to rethink their position about use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. UthMpact, the youth component of the drug free coalition for Polk County comprised of local high school teen leaders, has been busy distributing "UthMpact Facts" posters in schools and around the community depicting creative designs promoting the positive in Polk Youth Culture with updated factoids based on data reported by 6-12 grade students in the annual Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey (FYSAS). "UthMpact Facts" share the reality that most Polk County students ARE NOT involved in risky behaviors. Knowing the Facts can help students avoid succumbing to peer pressure because they feel confident making more informed personal decisions after learning the truth that most teens are making the right choices by choosing NOT to smoke, drink, or use substances. 

For information about evidence-based prevention education and social norms messaging available in your child's school and in the local community, please contact InnerAct Alliance at (863) 802-0777 and ask to speak with Executive Director, Angie Ellison, or Social Norms Coordinator, James Shiver.