New Online Alcohol Prevention Program Targets High School Students

Outside the Classroom of Newton, Mass., has designed a new online prevention program that is aimed at curbing alcohol use among high-school students, the New York Times reported March 25.

Five high schools in the country will test the program, which was developed in collaboration with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).

Called AlcoholEdu for High School, the interactive program provides students with information about drinking through interactive online media, and exercises that reinforce key concepts. Topics range from the effects of alcohol on the brain to the amount of advertising dollars spent on alcohol products.

The program, in three 30-minute segments, also enables students to answer questions about their own behavior and the information presented in the course. The confidential responses will provide school officials with an overview of students' experiences and attitudes towards alcohol.

Outside the Classroom also has developed a college-level course that is used by 385 schools.