The Power of positive peer pressure
In 2008, Mahrika Gagnon sat nervously on a bus bound for a camp she’d never attended, surrounded by other teens she didn’t know. Thrilled to be the only person from her middle school chosen to attend a special 3-day youth leadership and substance-use prevention camp hosted by Idaho Drug-Free Youth (iDFY), Mahrika had mixed emotions.
“I was super excited but also extremely nervous,” she explains. “I had never been away from home for that long before and definitely not by myself.”
Six hours later, the bus finally arrived at Grand Targhee Resort, and the eager iDFY counselors boarded to welcome campers. Mahrika’s nerves got the best of her.
“I refused to get off the bus - I was determined to sit there until we went home,” she said.
With some gentle coaxing, not only did she get off the bus, but Mahrika was “one of the kids who was crying at the end because I had to go home. I absolutely loved the entire experience and immediately started counting down until the next year.”
Fast forward 17 years, and Mahrika is now the executive director of iDFY and a great example of the transformative power of, what iDFY calls, positive peer pressure.
“2008 Mahrika never would have imagined she would be in this role today,” says Mahrika.
EMPOWERING KIDS TO BE IN CONTROL
Established in 1991, in Coeur d’ Alene, ID, iDFY is one of the oldest and most successful youth substance-use-prevention programs in the state. Their mission: to empower youth to lead happy and healthy lives through helping teens find their passions, hold leadership positions, belong to something bigger than themselves, and commit to being substance free.
“Being part of iDFY isn’t about saying ‘no’ to something — it’s about saying ‘yes’ to a life of possibilities, friendships and leadership,” says Mahrika Gagnon.
iDFY was originally modeled after an organization founded in Texas by a group of teens who wanted to be recognized and rewarded for being drug-free.
“These kids would go out and raise money to buy drug testing kits because they wanted to show everyone how committed they were to being drug- and alcohol-free,” explains former iDFY executive director and current iDFY board chair Amy Bartoo.
In return for a drug-free test, local businesses offered discounts on clothing, food, and activities. “It was a beautiful way to mix the business, community and corporate community into supporting teenagers,” says Bartoo.
BUILDING SKILLS FOR HIGH SELF ESTEEM
Dozens of middle, junior high, and high school iDFY chapters flourished around the state in the early 90s. In 1994, iDFY brought nearly 100 chapter members together for the first iDFY Youth Summit.
Bartoo explains that Youth Summits, which are typically held at Camp Lutherhaven in north Idaho, are a leadership camp with drug and alcohol prevention woven throughout.
“We have conversations like ‘what does it look like when somebody approaches you about using drugs or alcohol,’” explains Bartoo. Campers are also encouraged to think about how they might help someone they know who struggles with drugs and alcohol. “We provide the skills set so they know what to do to keep themselves safe, but also how to be a good friend or enlist the help of another friend or an adult.”
This year, the Youth Summit celebrates its 30th anniversary.
Today, explains Bartoo, kids really are “starving for connection.” She says schools should put more emphasis on creating places where kids can come together and create connections with one another. “Then they help spread that connection -- that feeling of trust and bonding- to other students.”
BENEFITS OF A DRUG FREE LIFESTYLE FOR YOUTH
Although members don’t voluntarily submit to drug-testing or get discounts from local businesses anymore, there are myriad benefits to being substance-free. According to Mahrika, youth who are substance-free can experience:
Better energy levels, endurance, and a stronger immune system.
Better stress management and coping skills.
Higher self esteem and a feeling of being more confident and in control of life, especially when resisting peer pressure to use drugs
Stronger focus on school and academic performance, which can open doors for further education and career opportunities.
Potential for healthier relationships with friends and family
Opportunities for positive peer influence
Bartoo acknowledges that the drug landscape has changed in the last 30 years and is more dangerous than ever before. But she is still very optimistic and hopeful about Idaho’s ability to achieve a substance-free future for our kids.
“My hope would be that we have a majority of kids who feel comfortable knowing that they're supported by their classmates for making a substance-free choice, and that the adults in their lives demonstrate what it's like to not have an addiction or have substances be a primary component of their daily life,” says Bartoo.
Bartoo wants adults to put more time and energy into being with kids and providing them with access to prevention programs throughout the state. “What is it that's going to help our kids the most?” asks Bartoo. “Being drug- and alcohol-free and supplying them with caring adults. Connection. Trust. Safety. Those are the things that matter.”
Why Is Family Important
This seems like an obvious question that we all know the answer to. However, we MUST emphasize that parents can be the deciding factor in strengthening their children to make decisions for their future. Many parents feel their teens do not listen to them just to spite them, and that this is just the nature of teenagers. We boldly declare to you that this is simply not true.
Parents can navigate the complexities of family relationships and be the connection their son or daughter is so desperately seeking. We acknowledge how demanding the responsibilities and obligations of being a parent are. We would never suggest otherwise, but a little time each day will build an incredible foundation!
SIDE BAR: Want To Start An iDFY Chapter In Your School?
Find 3-5 students and an advisor, who may or may not be a school employee.
Follow the school’s process to obtain permission to form the chapter. (See the “Start a Chapter” brochure on the iDFY website.)
Fill out the “Ready to Start a Chapter” form on our website and submit it to iDFY.
“Starting an iDFY chapter is a great way for Idaho youth to lead by example, create meaningful change, and build a culture of substance-free fun in their schools,” says Gagnon. She explains that chapters provide teens with a place where they can feel supported in making the decision to lead a drug- and alcohol-free life. “And, chapters can help provide fun, substance-free activities in schools where after-school activities are limited.”
