General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: What will a perpetually bored cop do in school? [View all]Atman
(31,464 posts)That's the point. That's what all the research has shown. It simply doesn't work, but it makes parents feel good. The kids who are inclined to experiment will still experiment. The cautious ones, and those prone to accept authority anyway, will "behave" as they're told they should.
It's not unlike AA, which no study has shown to be any more effective than any other method of quitting drinking. If you're determined to quit, you'll do anything necessary to remain sober, be it by attending AA or by some other method. With DARE, if you're already a "good kid," you're likely to remain a good kid, and you're just going along with the program because that's what good kids do.
Interesting side note: our son who "flunked" the DARE program did wind up doing a little experimenting post-high school. Nothing serious. But he went on to earn his Bachelors and got a good job by 24.