5.6   Lesson 6: Embattled Schools

Schools are described as veritable "battle zones" where drugs are readily available to youth. The following examples illustrate some of the problems schools face:

• Youth across all communities said that "you can get any drugs that you want at the school."
• Drugs are available in neighborhoods, on walking routes to and from school, in school parking lots, on school buses, and in empty gymnasiums and other common areas.
• Students talked freely about security guards and other school personnel who are known to use drugs.
• Youth resent the fact that school athletes caught using drugs often are given a lighter penalty than other students.

Future media messages may be able to appeal to youth who must deal with these negative influences every day.