This report details the results of the 1998 Idaho Substance Use and School Climate Survey, conducted by the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory for the Idaho Department of Education. Sixth, eighth, tenth, and twelfth grade students were asked about the use of alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs, as well as about their perceptions of the…

A study was conducted to determine variables which would predict smoking among 297 seventh graders and to test the validity of the variables in a followup one year later. The most valid predictors were number of friends and siblings who smoked and the intention to smoke in the future. (PP)

A smoking prevention program consisting of eight one-hour sessions was conducted with seventh- and eighth-grade students focusing on resisting peer pressure and understanding the role of mass media in encouraging smoking. One year after the program, the proportion of nonsmoking students remained higher among program participants. (FG)

A study evaluated the effectiveness of a heart health inservice workshop by examining the health behaviors of students of the teachers attending the workshops. Results indicate that teachers attending the workshop were more motivated to improve their own behavior in order to improve the heart health behavior of their students. (JN)

Reports three methodological problems found in evaluating five risk reduction projects in Florida. Found that activities aimed at producing positive self-awareness and exposure to rewarding nondrug activities taught with a mixture of didactic and discussion methods and exercises are best. (Author/JAC)

Investigated youthful drug use in a rural community. Examined the nature and extent of the drug problem extant in the community. Investigated the reasons cited for using drugs. Examined the characteristics of abstainers and their reasons for nonuse and compared this group with former drug users. (Author/RC)

Results suggest that older teenagers may cut down on their own smoking when they are involved in efforts to change the smoking behavior of younger teens. Concludes that an antismoking campaign within the context of a school curriculum might be effective in changing the smoking behavior of teenagers. (PD)

Describes the national antismoking campaign in terms of various school projects funded by the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, coordinated by its new Office on Smoking and Health. Projects include utilizing peer counselors, demonstrating what smoking does to the body, and showing how to deal with social pressures. (MF)

This paper examines the history and future of health education. Data from an American Cancer Society study exemplify how well-designed, carefully conducted research can impact current understanding and future decisions in health education. Health educators' roles in making health education a national priority are discussed. (SM)

Tracking and two statistical methods (probability weighting and sample selection modeling) were studied as ways to minimize bias attributable to sample attrition in school-based studies. Data on student smoking from 30 middle schools illustrate that sample weighting yields the best results, with estimates superior to sample selection and much less…

Examined reasons for not using tobacco, alcohol, and various other substances by students in relation to amount of self-reported substance use. Findings from 5,887 students in grades 6 through 12 revealed importance of information, self-concept, recreational and alternative activities, school policy, and adults as role models for use of various…

This article examines the extent to which the lifestyles of young people are affected by health and fitness considerations. An analysis of data from 3253 Health Related Behavior Questionnaires, completed by fourth-year secondary school pupils is presented. (IAH)

Contends that the increasingly central role of imagery in contemporary society calls for the development of a pedagogy emphasizing critical media literacy. Using examples from print advertisements for cigarettes, argues the need for cognitive competencies to withstand the onslaught of media messages, empowering individuals to become autonomous,…

A pilot study involving 90 percent of the parents of 200 seventh graders attending two junior high schools evaluated the effectiveness of active versus passive methods of obtaining parental consent. Passive consent can provide a viable alternative to active consent when supplemented by appropriate backup and privacy safeguards. (TJH)

Examines development and implementation of School Drug Policy in Ontario Boards of Education, components of these policies, and composition of policy development committees. Data from 125 Boards of Education were obtained for fall 1991. Results indicate that development and implementation of school drug policy, by not often including students,…