Equipping Compton Youth with the Truth to Stay Drug-Free
For decades, Compton, California—a city of just 10 square miles—has been synonymous with gang violence, drug trafficking and some of the highest violent crime rates in the nation. From the rise of the Bloods and Crips in the 1970s to elevated homicides and drug distribution in the 1990s and 2000s, Compton’s neighborhoods have long faced cycles of poverty, gang influence and substance abuse. The city’s youth are among those most vulnerable to this cycle.
The Foundation for a Drug-Free World (DFW) partners with the Compton Unified School District to help change that—bringing Truth About Drugs materials into schools to give students the facts they need to make their own informed, drug-free choices.
One key strategy is training educators on the Truth About Drugs program so they can teach students effectively. Educators know that kids respond better to receiving clear information than to being told what to do. Students watch videos and read the Truth About Drugs booklets. These explain the physical and mental effects of drugs and share real-life stories of people who struggled with addiction in relatable ways.
“This program is extremely effective, especially at this age,” says a sixth-grade teacher. Many of her students have experienced drug-related challenges at home and are exposed to misinformation from friends, family and social media. “They see this happening in their communities, and I think it’s important to give them the truth about the situation of drugs.”
Students are absorbing the message. “The program is cool because you can really learn more about drugs and how they affect you,” said one sixth-grade student. “If you choose drugs, it’s going to lead to a very bad life. If you don’t choose drugs, you’ll have a happy life, do well in school and you’ll be happy.”
Beyond schools, Drug-Free World works to educate parents in Compton, encouraging them to talk to their children about drugs and to set a good example in their home. The results speak for themselves. Since the program began in 2022, reports show a significant decrease in drug-related incidents—a 46 percent reduction of instances of marijuana possession on campuses.
The statistics and feedback show the Truth About Drugs program is effective and is helping protect children from falling into the dangers of drug abuse.
TAKING ACTION
Take a Stand on June 26
Every year on June 26, the world marks the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. It is a reminder that drug abuse destroys lives and that education is the first line of defense.
This June 26, make a difference in your community. Teach a seminar, organize a large distribution of The Truth About Drugs booklets at a sporting event, hold a flash mob, launch a bicycle race promoting a drug-free life or bring the program to your school or neighborhood. Ideas are endless. All creative approaches are welcome. These actions are geared to reach youth before drugs do, giving them the facts to choose life over addiction.
Take a stand this June 26. Your efforts can inspire a student, strengthen a family and help create a drug-free community.
Step up. Take action. Make June 26 a day of real impact and let us know your plans.
SAVE YOUNG LIVES
Support the Foundation for a Drug-Free World and help protect young lives from the destructive effects of drugs. Your contributions enable us to make our educational materials available free of charge to schools, youth organizations and other groups and individuals. Your support helps empower people with the facts they need to live healthy, drug-free lives.
