- North Point Elementary School in Lehi emphasizes healthy choices during Red Ribbon Week.
- This year, the school is teaching students not only about the impact of drugs and alcohol, but also online content.
- Media literacy is included this year to help students discern social media's unrealistic portrayals.
LEHI — At North Point Elementary School in Lehi, the school day starts with the familiar sounds of kids talking, laughing, and getting ready to learn.
For sixth grader Tana Benson, it's a place she genuinely enjoys being.
"People are so nice," she said.
She says that feeling carries into the classroom.
"I like learning here because the teachers explain it," said Tana.
While math, science, and reading are still a big part of the school day, this week's lessons are focused on something bigger.
The lessons are about helping kids make healthy choices for their bodies, minds, and emotions.
North Point Elementary is participating in Red Ribbon Week, a nationwide effort aimed at encouraging students to say no to alcohol and drugs.
"People come and say, like, 'We're not supposed to do drugs,'" said sixth grader Jackson Evans. "Drugs and alcohol can be very bad for you."
Tana says she's happy her school is having these conversations early.
"Because if you do drugs and if you drink alcohol, your brain is still developing, and it won't help you learn," she said.
But at North Point, Red Ribbon Week isn't just about what students put into their bodies.
It's also about what they take in every day, especially online.
"It is such a problem," said North Point Assistant Principal Brianna Pesci. "It's like, as soon as the bell rings, we see the phones come out immediately."
Pesci says cellphones and social media are becoming part of students' lives at younger and younger ages.
The school has a no cellphone policy during school hours, not as a punishment, but as a way to help students stay focused and protect their well-being.
Pesci says one of the biggest challenges for kids is understanding that what they see online isn't always real life.
"They may not realize that on their own, that we have highlight reels on the internet. So, it's important for them to have someone telling them, walking them through that," said Pesci.
Those "highlights" are often seen on cellphone apps such as TikTok and Instagram.
"You see people, they only post like what they do for fun. You can feel really sad about yourself," said Jackson.
Jackson says that comparison can lead to feeling depressed about your own life.
"So you could be like, really jealous and be sad," he said.
That's why the school has added media literacy to Red Ribbon Week.
The idea is to help students learn to question what they see online and understand that social media often shows only the best moments.
Pesci says the goal is to support students in every way possible, not just academically.
"Our physical health, our mental health, our emotional health is something that is so important for these kids in these early, early years," she said, "so they can learn these skills as they go forward."
For Tana, who loves coming to school, she feels having that message is important.
"So, you can keep learning and you can do good things," she said.
