If you've got a group at different attitudinal stages, you can't give them all the same message and expect the same response. You need different approaches. We're having an impact, but it's stronger with girls than with boys. Programs based on positive reinforcement work best with boys while programs focusing on social skills training work best with girls. The girls respond to programs that appeal to their common sense and desire to build positive relationships.
Boys are more action-oriented.
You reward them when you catch them being good and doing the kinds of positive actions we all value. Artz and Riecken will discuss their findings with the 16 schools involved in the research project which is funded through the B.C. Health Research Foundation. They will offer suggestions on new programs and on ways to make existing programs more effective with boys.