Once kids discover that marijuana, for example, is often used by people, older peers perhaps, without dramatic negative impact on their lives, they tend to disregard D.A.R.E.'s warnings about much more dangerous and addictive drugs. Second, critics argue that the D.A.R.E. curriculum sends the message that all use is abuse, further oversimplifying the realities that kids will face in the world around them. A number of major studies have borne out these concerns. The evidence shows that kids who participate in D.A.R.E. are no less likely to use drugs as young teenagers than kids who did not participate. In fact, at least one of the studies showed that kids who took the D.A.R.E. program were MORE likely to use drugs than their peers.
Most reformers believe that it is best to teach kids honestly about substances and their dangers.
Kids need to know that we have been honest with them if we expect them to take seriously our most important admonitions and warnings. Education should be age-appropriate, but kids who want information should be given the truth. This last question is akin to the question of whether or not it is rational to provide teenagers with access to condoms. We can hope that they delay the onset of sexual activity, even that they wait until marriage. These are difficult issues.