Empowering Educators with DREAM: A Comprehensive Approach to Drug Prevention in Schools

By

Taiwo AKINLAMI

At the recent Drug Education Training event, Amy Rogers, a contract educator for the Ohio Department of Public Safety, delivered a compelling presentation on prevention resources for educators. As a former teacher and curriculum developer, Rogers introduced the DREAM program—Drug Resistance Education and Mentorship, a multi-faceted tool designed to assist educators in addressing drug prevention, decision-making, and risky situations with students. The DREAM initiative stands out as a free and easily accessible resource for educators, parents, and community leaders to integrate into their existing efforts to combat substance abuse among youth.

What is DREAM?

The DREAM program, created by the Ohio Department of Public Safety in collaboration with local task forces, is a video-based educational tool aimed at supporting the work already being done in schools and communities to prevent drug use among young people. Unlike other drug prevention programs that are often punitive, DREAM takes a universal approach. It is designed for all students, not just those who have already encountered drug-related issues.

“DREAM is not about discipline, it’s about prevention, empowerment, and education,” Rogers said. “We want to reach kids before they ever encounter drugs, and give them the tools they need to make healthy decisions.”

The program offers an entire K-12 curriculum, with content broken down into age-appropriate videos that cover essential topics like substance abuse prevention, personal safety, and healthy coping skills. The program is versatile—it can be used in traditional classrooms, homeschool settings, or even civic groups, making it accessible to a wide range of educators and facilitators.

Video-Based Learning: Engaging Students at Every Level

Rogers emphasized the program’s video-centric approach, which makes it engaging and easy to implement. Each grade band is covered, with separate videos for K-2, 3-5, and middle and high school students. The videos are short and interactive, incorporating scenarios that encourage students to think critically and apply problem-solving and refusal skills.

For instance, the kindergarten and first-grade videos focus on basic concepts like medicine safety. One video features a character named Owen, who learns about the importance of asking a trusted adult before taking any medication. In the video, a friendly doctor explains the difference between medicine and harmful drugs, encouraging young viewers to always seek adult guidance.

As students progress to higher grades, the videos become more in-depth. By middle school, the topics expand to online safety, peer pressure, and problem-solving strategies. For high school students, the content tackles more serious issues such as the impact of substance abuse on brain development, sextortion, and the legal consequences of drug use.

One powerful middle school video covers the dangers of cognitive distortions—negative thought patterns that can influence decision-making. Through animation, the video explains how students can recognize and reframe these harmful thought processes, offering practical tips to help them manage stress and anxiety without turning to substances.

A Comprehensive Resource for Educators and Parents

The DREAM program also provides invaluable resources for parents and guardians. Each grade level includes a dedicated video for parents, which helps them understand how to talk to their children about drugs and risky behaviors. These videos break down difficult topics in an approachable way, offering practical advice that parents can use in everyday conversations with their children.

In addition, DREAM includes a facilitator’s guide to help educators navigate the materials. Whether you’re a school resource officer, teacher, or social worker, the program offers step-by-step instructions on how to use the videos effectively in the classroom or other educational settings.

For schools concerned about parent involvement, DREAM provides customizable participation letters, allowing schools to inform parents about the program and its objectives. “We know that parental involvement is critical in prevention, so we made it easy for schools to keep parents in the loop,” Rogers said.

The program also integrates role models from various Ohio-based professions, such as doctors, judges, and teachers, who share their personal stories of overcoming adversity and making healthy choices. These role model videos serve as an additional layer of mentorship, helping students see real-life examples of resilience and success.

Addressing Real-World Challenges: Online Safety, Sextortion, and More

One of the standout features of the DREAM program is its attention to current issues faced by today’s youth. In addition to drug education, the program covers pressing topics like online safety, sextortion, and mental health.

Rogers highlighted that sextortion—a form of online blackmail where victims are coerced into sharing explicit images—has become an increasing concern. “We’re seeing more and more cases where young people, especially teenagers, are targeted online,” she explained. “These predators manipulate and shame their victims, sometimes driving them to extreme actions like suicide.”

The high school videos in the DREAM series directly address sextortion, providing students with tools to protect themselves and resources to seek help if they ever find themselves in such a situation. The program also covers suicide prevention and the legal ramifications of sharing inappropriate content online, ensuring students understand the gravity of these issues.

Building a Safety Net for Ohio’s Youth

At its core, the DREAM program is about creating a “safety net” for students—a comprehensive web of support that helps them navigate the challenges they face in their daily lives. This net includes education on drug prevention, personal safety, mental health, and online safety, all delivered in a way that’s accessible and engaging for students.

“Our goal is to reduce the risk factors in these kids’ lives while building up protective factors,” Rogers said. “We want to equip them with the knowledge and skills they need to stay safe and make positive choices.”

The program’s website is a one-stop shop for educators and families, offering videos, role model stories, and a community resource page where individuals can find local support services. Each of Ohio’s 88 counties is represented, with links to resources such as job placement services, counseling, and food assistance, ensuring that families can get the help they need.

A Call for Field Testers

As the program continues to expand, Rogers invited educators and administrators to participate in field testing for the upcoming high school videos. “We’re always looking for feedback to make sure we’re addressing the most pressing issues,” she said. Field testers will have access to the latest content and provide input that will shape the program for future use.

Conclusion

The DREAM program offers a powerful set of tools for educators and community leaders in the fight against substance abuse and other challenges facing today’s youth. With its engaging video content, practical resources for parents, and a focus on real-world issues, DREAM provides a comprehensive, age-appropriate framework to support Ohio’s students as they navigate life’s challenges. As Amy Rogers said, “This program isn’t just about preventing drug use—it’s about building a foundation for lifelong success and safety.”

Taiwo AKINLAMI is the Curator-in-Chief of the S.A.F.E for Children® Information Bank, Ohio, a project of Power Parenting Company LLC (http://www.powerparentingcompany.com/)