Prevention is developmentally based. Because children and youth have different needs and concerns at various ages, youth development focuses on unique aspects of prevention at different grade levels . Prevention honors and reinforces resiliency in children and youth. Prevention strengthens protective factors for children and youth. Prevention reduces risk factors for children and youth.
Prevention is active instead of reactive.
It is initiated before problems occur. Prevention is targeted to groups of people and systems rather than just individuals. Prevention requires cooperation and collaboration among schools, families, communities, social service organizations, policymakers, police officers, and the media. Prevention emphasizes promising prevention strategies that can be used by families, schools, and communities. These strategies are specific to ATOD use and promote general health and well-being.