Which strategy is deemed effective for teaching about substance abuse prevention?

Peer education programs are particularly effective for teaching about substance abuse prevention because they leverage the influence and relatable experiences of peers among students. In these programs, individuals who are perceived as similar to their audience deliver messages, creating an environment where the information is more likely to resonate and be accepted. This relatability fosters open communication and encourages participants to discuss sensitive topics, reducing stigma and promoting healthier behaviors.

Furthermore, peer educators can effectively model positive behaviors and serve as role models. The shared experiences within a peer-led environment can promote a sense of belonging and encourage participants to engage in discussions about substance use and its consequences.

In contrast, didactic lectures delivered by health professionals, while informative, may not engage students as effectively since they can often feel one-sided and less relatable. Written pamphlets distributed in schools may lack interactivity and face-to-face engagement, leading to lower retention of information. Online videos, although they can be informative, may not create the same level of personal connection and interaction that peer education provides, which is critical for changing attitudes and behaviors regarding substance use.