“Everyone Is Doing It” Is One of Prevention's Biggest Myths

 Teenagers pay close attention to what other teenagers are doing.

That's nothing new.

The problem comes when their perception doesn't match reality.

If a student believes almost everyone drinks at parties, vaping is normal, or marijuana use is simply part of high school, saying no can feel like choosing to be the outsider.

That's why positive social norms are an important part of SSAPCO's prevention work.

Our 2026 local student data gives us a message worth repeating:

Most Salmon High School students are not currently using alcohol, vaping, or using marijuana.

We shouldn't ignore the students who are using substances. They need prevention, intervention and support.

But we also shouldn't unintentionally make substance use sound more common than it really is.

Adults do this surprisingly often.

“Kids these days all vape.”

“They're going to drink anyway.”

“Everyone experiments in high school.”

Those statements may be intended as frustration or realism, but they can send young people exactly the wrong message.

Instead, let's tell the truth.

Most of your classmates aren't doing it.

Most parents don't approve of youth substance use.

And choosing to stay substance free does not put you in some tiny minority.

Healthy is normal.

That's a message worth spreading.

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