ON CAMPUS

We stopped by Newport Harbor High School last week to ask students what

they thought about Red Ribbon Week. And if Red Ribbon Week doesn’t work,

what does?

Here’s what they had to say:

“Red Ribbon Week doesn’t work at all. It might help kids not to get

started using drugs but it doesn’t make them quit. Drugs are too

addicting. Growing up and moving on to different things might

work.”--Danny Stone, 15, sophomore, Newport Beach

“If your parents made your life tough, like taking away all of your

privileges, that might make you quit using drugs and alcohol. But then

again, that could make you start, too. The pressure to drink and do drugs

is stronger in Newport Beach then it is in Costa Mesa. Here I hear little

kids talking about smoking cigarettes.”--John Gemayel, 17, junior, Costa

Mesa

“I think Red Ribbon Week is a pretty good idea for kids while they are

growing up. Like in kindergarten through eighth grade. My little sister

is 9 and she is really excited about Red Ribbon Week. She wears red

shirts and stuff. I wasn’t even aware that it was Red Ribbon Week. But I

think the younger kids really like it.”--Ryan Newman, 16, sophomore,

Newport Beach

“I wouldn’t say Red Ribbon Week is working. There is not enough

information distributed. Doing drugs and alcohol is all about popularity.

Most of the popular kids who have parties are more subject to alcohol and

drugs. It’s all about fitting in. Idon’t drink or do drugs. I’ve seen

people who drink and do drugs and they have no control. It’s just so

stupid! Plus, the friends you hang around with are a big influence on

whether or not you are going to drink or do drugs.”--Gretchen Hudson, 15,

sophomore, Newport Beach

“I think it’s good that the schools have at least one week dedicated to

acknowledging drinking and drugs. Basically, by drinking or doing drugs

you are seen by others as being less uptight. Drinking is something

you’re not allowed to do until you are 21 so it’s like rebelling. Family

life can also be a reason why kids drink or do drugs. I have a friend who

is 18 and his family is pretty messed up. That’s why he drinks.”--Allison

Brooks, 15, sophomore, Newport Beach

“The only reason people wear red ribbons this week is because they give

you candy. At this age in high school people have already made up their

minds whether or not they are going to use drugs and alcohol. By high

school you have already formed your opinions about things. I think if you

are taught your whole life that something is bad you are probably less

likely to do something. I don’t drink and do drugs. I am kind of like the

bookworm of the school. And family life is important. But some people

could have everything and still make bad decisions. My group of friends

and I are strong people -- we don’t need alcohol.”--Courtney Rotstan, 17,

senior, Newport Beach