"The teens in the MEE study expressed the sentiment that 'prevention' was no longer an issue for them at this age (16-18). Instead, they felt that while everyone is telling them what not to do, few are telling them what to do. For example, for those not involved in drugs, the only messages sent are still of the 'prevention' type. What the teens need are messages that inform them how to 'make it,' or offer alternatives to drug and/or gang lifestyles…More attention is needed in offering students some alternatives to negative lifestyles. Messages that are of the 'do' variety as opposed to the 'don't' type are lacking for this group. While these students are certainly susceptible to a host of negative influences, many have made the choice to reject that part of youth culture. For this group, motivational and practical guidelines for success-oriented behavior are necessary."
