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In “Looking Ahead,” we summarize a common set of internal guidelines that will guide the evolution of our youth tobacco prevention programs into the future. Reynolds American and its operating companies are committed to helping prevent youth from using tobacco.
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R.J. Reynolds launched its Right Decisions, Right Now (RDRN) youth smoking prevention program for schools in 1991. Since that time, the program has focused on providing supplemental teaching materials for middle- and junior-high schools, including instructional units for teachers, classroom posters and brochures for parents. This program has been provided free of charge to more than 22,000 schools around the country and has received consistently positive feedback from educators and administrators.
In 2006, R.J. Reynolds retained Lifetime Learning Systems, Inc. to develop new and enhanced materials for the RDRN program. In particular, R.J. Reynolds wanted to ensure its materials met the needs of educators who wanted new “evidence-based” materials for their classrooms. Evidence based programs are those which have been tested for their effectiveness – in this case, in changing youth attitudes about tobacco and lowering tobacco use rates.
Federal legislation (No Child Left Behind) strongly encourages the use of evidence-based substance abuse prevention programs. In addition, the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) supports a review and rating system for these types of programs through its National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices (NREPP). Lifetime Learning Systems has extensive experience with the Right Decisions, Right Now program and is recognized as a leader in the development and testing of curriculum materials for schools.
In developing the new RDRN teaching materials, Lifetime Learning Systems conducted an extensive literature review on youth tobacco use research, met with parents and teachers in focus groups, and conducted online testing of numerous program concepts with students. Educators recommended that the new materials should focus on delivering anti-tobacco health messages, as well as building social and decision-making skills. Parents asked that the program teach “facts” and keep them informed.
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“Right Decisions, Right Now: Be Tobacco Free" is a middle school education program designed to prevent and reduce the use of all forms of tobacco among young people.
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