One way of determining their perceptions is to conduct an assessment of youth attitudes and beliefs about substance abuse and violence. For example, allow for the different viewing habits of younger and older adolescents, utilizing radio, television, and print media appropriately. The interests of youth also vary by gender, ethnicity, and geography. What appeals to young people living in the city might not appeal to youth living in rural America. Avoid the use of authority figures and admonishments, as well as demonstration of harmful substances.
Young people tune out when messages are overbearing or use scare tactics.
This means that community collaboration should be offered in conjunction with or as a means for implementing other effective strategies, including skills-based instruction for students and families, policies designed to promote environments in which substance abuse is not accepted, policies that reduce the availability of and access to substances and weapons, enforcement of these policies and counseling and skills training for families and students at high risk for substance abuse and violence. Use media and community education strategies. Such strategies increase public awareness, attract community support, reinforce the school-based curriculum for students and parents, and keep the public informed of the program's progress. Coordinate with other community efforts. Don't duplicate efforts.