Category: Safe & Bully-Free

Don’t Be Tricked…Drugs are No Treat!

Trick or Treating Reflective BagKeeping kids healthy and safe is our top priority.  That’s why we encourage you to combine the drug prevention messages stressed during Red Ribbon Week with Halloween fun and safety.  Here are lists of drug prevention and Halloween safety tips for kids to keep in mind when out Trick or Treating and every day to lives from becoming ‘frightful!’

Don’t Get Caught in the Web of Drugs!

  • If someone offers you drugs, tell them to “bug off!”
  • Help others be drug free by telling them how scary drugs are.
  • Be Yourself.  You’re great the way you are!
  • Choose Your Friends.  Real friends won’t ask you to do things that are bad for you.
  • Stay away from all drugs, including medicines.  Only your parents or doctor should give you medicine when you’re sick.
  • Ask for help.  When you have a problem, talk to someone you can trust.

Stay Safe on Halloween:

  • Don’t get stuck in dangerous places.  Visit only well-lit areas and homes of people you know.
  • Use a flashlight so you won’t be surprised by things that creep and crawl in the night.
  • Make sure your costume lets you see and hear perfectly.  You need to be able to watch and listen for cars.
  • Wear brightly-colored clothing.  Put glow-in-the-dark patches or strips on your costume so drivers can see you.
  • Have your parent or guardian check your candy before you bit into it.
  • Make this and every Halloween a safe and happy one!
Oct 10, 2013 | 0 comments | View Post

On the Rise: Prescription Drug Use Among Kids

Prescription drug use kills more children than car accidents.  Take a minute to let that sink in.  It’s a really hard thought to swallow, isn’t it?  As educators, that is why it is so important that we celebrate Red Ribbon Week – to promote a clean, drug-free lifestyle among students. The ever growing, extremely alarming statistics of drug use in America’s youth can be brought to a halt with your help.  By highlighting the dangers of prescription drug abuse in the formative years, more students will have the knowledge base to make smart choices; to skip the “rite of passage” experimental phase as many youth see it that could eventually take hold as a full blown addiction.

Prescription Drug BotlesIn the past year, non-medical use of prescription drugs in youth between the ages of 12 and 17 years-old was at 7 percent.  A main reason it has become so prevalent is because prescriptions drugs can be easily attained even at a young age.  They are finding the very drugs that can kill them right in their own medicine cabinet.  Without understanding the dangers of taking prescription drugs when they are not prescribed to them, kids will misuse what they can get their hands on to give them the high they are seeking.  Drugs like amphetamines, sedatives, ADHD medication such as Ritalin, and even over-the-counter cough medications are some of the top drugs being abused by our youth.

Our youth need us to help open their eyes to the imminent danger they put themselves in when they participate in recreational prescription drug use.  Their future is bright if there are no drugs in sight.  This year as you celebrate Red Ribbon Week, remember you could be making all the difference in the future of your students.

*Save 10% on Red Ribbon Week incentives and educational resources with promo code PLEDGE10

Oct 04, 2013 | 0 comments | View Post

Guest Blog: Kathryn Everest of the Fort Worth Independent School District on Disrespect

“Disrespect: it’s not okay!” is about the most exciting thing on the planet for us right now.  This is an initiative that allows kids control and is thriving!  Kids thriving, excited about their world is the greatest reward for an educator.

When adults turn kids loose to choose activities that promote respect, civility and integrity – they will be amazed.  Last year our INOK projects included a high school campus creating a day of “Hunger Games” designed as a fun day of games and activities between classes that raised enough money to feed 200 orphans for one year.  They are planning on doing it again “Catching Fire”.  Why?  “Hunger: it’s not okay!” Another campus teamed with AT&T to support “It Can Wait” because “texting and driving: it’s not okay!”

Students are teaming up with Kelly Clarkson and State Farm Insurance and the Celebrate My Drive campaignKelly Clarkson Supports INOK because “reckless driving: it’s not okay!”

Kids learn so much when they are the beginning and the end.  They identify issues requiring them to listen to each other.  They have to evaluate the data of student needs assessments.   They are in control.  They choose what matters to them, design a project and then they can be the change they want to see in the world.

Disrespect: it’s not okay is the underpinning of everything.  The concept holds up a student code of conduct, classroom rules, every discipline interaction – it is genius because it is simple, easy to follow and consistent.  It is genius because it is the work of kids!!!

This year our students have been asked by the City of Fort Worth do to the Diversity Forum for all city employees.  The students plan to encourage adults to create workplace environments that foster collegiality, creativity and productivity by embracing each other – and saying “disrespect: it’s not okay!”  Different is not better or worse – it’s just different!”  We all matter!

Oct 01, 2013 | 1 comment | View Post

Respect For All Week Idea Guide

Bully Free Pledge BannerHold a “Walk Away From Bullies” group walk around the school campus. Have students sign the “Take a Stand Against Bullying” Pledge Banner before the walk. Reward students with a “Take A Stand, Lend A Hand” Tag With Chain to remind them of their pledge.

Nov 06, 2012 | 0 comments | View Post

Remind Children to Remain Drug Free during Red Ribbon Week

Drug Free, Red Ribbon WeekRed Ribbon week is a week where teachers, parents and other role models teach children about the dangers of alcohol, drugs, bullying and more. Each year, the week of October 23rd through the 31st is used to enlighten and motivate children to treat themselves and one another with respect.

Red Ribbon week spotlights the healthy habit of choosing to live above the negative influence. Positive Promotions offers a variety of items children can take home as a constant reminder to stay drug free. During the last week of October, we bring awareness to the effects of drug and tobacco use, and how children should act when encountering bullying in their schools or on the Internet.

Children learn to incorporate skills through fun games, educational materials and encouragement from others. This one-week celebration focuses on teaching children how to stand up when they see others being bullied, and demonstrates how they should react when they are offered drugs and cigarettes. Our products with “Drug Free” messages also pronounce, through a variety of materials, how children should act in a hazardous situation. Also, children are empowered to make a promise to stay away and stand against challenging circumstances.

You can make Red Ribbon week a memorable week through the use of messages stamped on wristbands, ribbons, and colorful “paw” dog tags. Our educational kits are perfect to spread the positive message in a classroom setting. In addition, we carry different style bookmarks, bags and wallets from which to choose. These souvenirs extend this week as a daily token of the pledge to stand up against drugs and stop those who bully others.

When children hold and wear these symbols of commitment, they will also encourage other children to take a stand and follow the right path toward a successful future. Our drug-free activity books and candy, respect t-shirts, and awards can be used as prizes for children and adults who win games at your event.

You will be able to promote this special week through colorful attention-getting banners, balloons and posters screaming out drug-free and anti-bully dialogue to spruce up any Red Ribbon event.

Sep 21, 2012 | 0 comments | View Post

Safe & Bully-Free Schools

Stop Bullying in SchoolsBullying at school not only affects the victims, it affects all students and creates an uncomfortable learning environment. Schools must establish a strategy that protects the safety of all students and sends a clear message that bullying will not be tolerated. We would like to share some practical ideas for promoting awareness from various schools across the country. Using a unique collection of quality Safe and Bully-Free School incentives and educational materials, it will help set the tone of respect, tolerance, and positive behavior throughout your school.

  • Take A Stand – Hold a “Walk Away From Bullies” group walk around the school grounds. Before the walk, have students sign the “Take A Stand, Lend A Hand” pledge banner.
  • Anti-Bullying Cheers – Why not kick off your Bullying prevention campaign with a pep rally. Ask your cheerleading squad to create anti-bullying cheers that they can perform at the event. Have football players speak out about the golden rule. Supply these athletes with “Winners Don’t Bully” Mini Footballs to throw out at the audience.
  • Schedule a Dress-Up Day – Schedule a dress-up day in which students, teachers and staff are invited to wear camouflage “Be A Hero” T-shirt. Explain the camouflage is to unite the school together and remind everyone to be a Hero in the efforts to prevent bullying and create a respectful school.
  • “Mean Girls” Workshop – Hold a “Mean Girls” workshop one night after school. Prior to the workshop, hand out “Be Friendship Focused” Pink Women’s Cut T-shirts and have all the girls wear them. Invite a guest speaker to talk about how to deal with gossip, bullying and other drama in a girl’s world.
  • Caught Being Good – Recruit businesses near your school to help reward students for displaying good conduct. See if they will give special offers, such as a percentage off or a buy-one-get-one-free-deal, to students who come in wearing “Caught Being Good” Rainbow Silicone Bracelets that they have earned through good behavior.
Aug 31, 2012 | 0 comments | View Post