The Norm Project is a district wide initiative, sponsored by United Way of Lee, Hendry, Glades, and Okeechobee Counties, that challenges the misperceptions about Lee County students by presenting them with the facts. The Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey polls a sample of our student population each year and has found that the majority of Lee County students do not drink alcohol or do drugs. This shows that our students are making good decisions and are choosing a healthy lifestyle!
What Is Social Norming?
"Most students do not drink alcohol." "The majority of students do not use drugs."
These two statements are the primary messages of The Norm Project. Many students think the majority of their peers drink alcohol or use drugs, but that is not true. The social norms approach is founded on the assumption that individuals incorrectly perceive that the attitudes or behaviors of others are different from their own, when in reality they are similar. Students are more inclined to use alcohol and drugs when they believe that their peers are using.
Results from the Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey show that Lee County students’ perceptions differ from actual student responses about teen alcohol and drug use. Most Lee County teens choose not to drink alcohol or use drugs. The Norm Project uses factual information to promote healthy behaviors that accurately reflect what is really going on with our teens, or the “norm”.
What Is The Norm Project Student Poster Contest?
The Norm Project is a School District of Lee County prevention initiative, funded by a grant from United Way of Lee, Hendry, Glades, and Okeechobee Counties, that seeks to correct misperceptions about teen alcohol and drug use. SDLC students create posters that send the message that most of their peers choose not to use alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.
Since the 2013-14 school year, The Norm Project has encouraged Lee County’s most artistic and creative students to enter the annual Student Poster Contest. All our middle and high school students are eligible to participate and design a poster with a social norming message. The winning posters are available for all middle and high schools to display the following year, sharing the message that most Lee County students are alcohol and drug-free!
2020-2021 Student Poster Contest
This school year's contest will open after winter break.
Poster Contest Rules:
- There is a limit of 1 entry per student or group.
- Entries may be produced by an individual, group, class, or club.
- Both digital and hand drawn entries will be accepted
- Designs must use original, student-created imagery, concept or design.
- The poster must have a social norming message. For example:
- "Most Lee County students choose not to vape."
- "Most Lee County students choose not to use alcohol."
- "Most Lee County students choose not to use drugs."
- "Most Lee County students choose not to use tobacco."
- "Most Lee County students choose not to smoke cigarettes."
- All entries must have information including student name, school name, grade, and teacher.
- All entries must be submitted by April 16, 2021 to Sara Thompson or Kathy Wynne in School Counseling Services via Google Drive, email, mail, or school PONY:
Sara Thompson, Prevention Specialist
Kathy Wynne, Prevention Specialist
School Counseling and Mental Health Services
SaraET@LeeSchools.net
KathleenKWy@LeeSchools.net
- Social Norms Lesson Plan
- Norm Project Poster Planning Guide
- 2020 Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey
- 2021 Norm Project Poster Contest Guidelines and Consent Forms
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