In this episode of Youth Unfiltered, students take a critical look at past prevention and awareness campaigns — unpacking what resonated, what missed the mark, and why intention doesn’t always equal impact.

They highlight campaigns that felt effective, including Friends for Life, Locks Save Lives, and We Can Wait, noting that these efforts were more thoughtful, inclusive, and consistent in their messaging. In contrast, they examine ineffective approaches like D.A.R.E., Just Say No, fear-based scare tactics, and culturally tone-deaf messaging — including billboard campaigns that felt ignorant, stigmatizing, or targeted at specific communities.

The conversation digs into what truly makes a campaign work: being expansive in who it reaches, using clear and straightforward language (not slang), centering students’ voices, and focusing on support and coping rather than punishment. Peer-led groups emerge as a key factor in building trust and credibility.

Ultimately, this episode challenges institutions to rethink how prevention is communicated — and asks who campaigns are really designed for when students don’t feel seen, heard, or respected.

🎧 A necessary conversation about messaging, missteps, and how to do better moving forward.

Music By Ceaz
Produced By DSTRCT9 Creative Solutions