Positive Social Norms

Positive Social Norms (PSN) is an evidenced-based communications intervention that aims to increase positive attitudes and behaviors by correcting misperceptions that students have of each other’s attitudes and behaviors with respect to youth substance use by bringing to their attention the true, positive norms that exist among their peers.

How It Works:

Collect Data in Schools

Safe Yakima Valley staff survey students about their perceptions of substance use.

We begin by surveying students in local schools to gather data on their behaviors, attitudes, and perceptions related to substance use. The survey asks about their own experiences with substances, as well as their beliefs about how common substance use is among their peers.
Questions like "Do you use tobacco products" allow us to gather accurate data on the actual percentage of substance use in the schools.

Analyze Perceptions

Safe Yakima assess data personalized to each school.

Next, we assess the collected data to compare students' actual behaviors with their perceptions of peer behavior. Often, young people overestimate how many of their peers engage in risky behaviors, reinforcing unhealthy norms.

Use Data to Create PSN Campaign

Data is used to create flyers, posts, and other prints to use around the school.

Using these insights, we create a campaign to correct misconceptions and reinforce positive behaviors. The campaign highlights accurate, data-driven messages, such as the true percentage of students who do not use substances and the majority opinion that disapproves of substance use.
By showcasing these realities through school posters, social media outreach, and community engagement, we help shift perceptions and encourage healthier choices among youth.

The Positive Exists!

The majority of our youth are making positive choices. We are here to highlight that!

Misperceptions of Social Norms

Adults & youth often overestimate the percentage of youth using substances. Ex. Only 7-10% of 8th graders vape!

Campaign Implementation

We flip the narrative using personal school data! The overwhelming majority of youth are not using substances. This data is showcased around the school.