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Tobacco UseWHY STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS ARE AT-RISKThere are several reasons tobacco usage is a primary concern for special educators. First, like all of the risk factors discussed in this workshop, it is now more common among people with disabilities than in earlier generations. When children and youth with disabilities are included in the regular classroom and in social activities with their classmates without disabilities, they are exposed to the same risks of drinking, smoking and sexual behavior. Children with emotional or mental disabilities may find it more difficult to make healthy decisions. Students with mental disabilities may not understand the long-term effect on health. Students with emotional and behavioral problems may understand that tobacco, alcohol and other drugs are harmful, but do not have the self-control to turn down something that seems like it would be fun now for health benefits later. |
Children with special needs are aware that they are different. As they enter junior high and high school, in particular, there is a strong desire to feel accepted. Even students who are very intelligent and well-adjusted tend to want to 'just be like everyone else'.
During the school years is when children begin using tobacco. According to the American Indian Tobacco Education Network, by their senior year of high school, 40% of American Indian males and 39% of females are already smokers. So, most people have gotten hooked before they are at the age to legally buy tobacco.
At Spirit Lake Consulting, Inc. we have over twenty years of experience evaluating programs aimed at substance abuse prevention, gang violence prevention and other types of community programs. In these years, we have seen programs fail despite the best of intentions and substantial government funding. We have also seen programs succeed.
What doesn't work? "One-shot" deals are top on our list of programs that fail. No matter how terrific your workshop or presentation on not using tobacco, alcohol or other drugs, nothing that you come in and do once is likely to make a permanent change on behavior. Think about it. Tobacco companies spend billions of dollars on advertising that is all around. Do you really think that a one hour presentation on one day is going to stop kids from smoking.
