Counselors and other health care professionals spend a lot of time trying to determine how best to protect kids from risky behaviors such as teen drug and alcohol abuse. In a recent study, scientists were surprised to learn that school connectedness is an important protective factor.

Of all the protective factors examined, school connectedness was found to be the strongest protector against substance use, school absenteeism, early sexual initiation, violence, and risk of unintentional injury (such as drinking and driving or not wearing seat belts.) -- Source: TheCW-Channel 69 (Atlanta, GA)

School connectedness also ranked second (behind family connectedness) in importance for preventing emotional distress, eating disorders, and suicidal thoughts. The study also found that students felt more connected at school when teachers and administrators were attentive and engaged, when they had a positive, stable peer group, and when they felt safe at school.

Labels: prevention, drug use, alcohol, schools

Posted By: Aspen/CRC