K-12 Education: Most States Require Public Schools to Teach Substance Use Prevention
Fast Facts
Adolescents' use of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco has declined nationally over the last decade, but remains an issue.
We surveyed all 50 states; Washington, D.C.; and 8 territories about substance use prevention in public schools. 56 completed the survey.
45 reported requiring schools to teach about at least 2 of the 3 substances
6 don't have requirements to teach about specific substances
5 have no requirement to teach this topic
The U.S. Departments of Education and Health and Human Services and a White House office fund resources like technical help and training for states and schools on preventing substance misuse.
Photo from a classroom where two students raise their hands and the rest focus on a person in front.
Highlights
What GAO Found
Over the last 10 years, substance use has generally declined nationally among 8th, 10th, and 12th graders, according to data GAO analyzed. These same data indicated that as of 2023, school-aged children more commonly reported using drugs or alcohol than tobacco.
Most states and territories (45 of 56) GAO surveyed required public schools to teach about at least two substances in grades K-12, with 39 states and territories teaching about all three (tobacco, alcohol, and drugs) in school year 2024–2025. Of the remaining 11 states and territories that responded to the survey, six did not have requirements for specific substances but had or were developing requirements that public schools teach about how substance use can affect students’ health in grades K-12. The other five did not require public schools to teach about substance use prevention.
States and Territories’ Reported Requirements for Teaching About Substance Use Prevention in Public Schools, School Year 2024–2025
Overall, 28 states and territories reported that they provided information to school districts about evidence-based substance use prevention programs on state websites, according to GAO’s survey. For example, New York maintains a list of evidence-based substance use prevention programs appropriate for different age ranges that schools and others can use, according to officials from the state’s Office of Addiction Services and Supports.
The U.S. Departments of Education and Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Office of National Drug Control Policy administer grant programs that can be used to support substance use prevention activities in public schools. For example, HHS’s Substance Use Block Grant requires states to spend a minimum of 20 percent of their funding for substance use prevention activities, which can include school-based strategies.
Education and HHS also offer resources about substance use prevention to states and communities, including websites with recorded webinars and a registry of evidence-based practices. Moreover, Education, HHS, and the Office of National Drug Control Policy fund technical assistance centers that create and distribute substance use prevention resources and provide training to stakeholders.
Why GAO Did This Study
Substance use—when people use drugs, alcohol, or tobacco in ways that can harm themselves or others—remains a persistent problem in the United States. Substance use can result in negative consequences, including poor school performance and diminished mental health. Research suggests that prevention programs for school-aged children may help address substance use before it occurs.
Senate Report 118-84 includes a provision for GAO to examine the extent to which states require the use of evidence-based drug education and prevention programs in public schools, and how the federal government helps address challenges schools face implementing these programs. This report describes (1) how states approach substance use prevention programs, including those that are evidence based, in public schools, and (2) the federal resources offered to help public schools implement these programs.
GAO surveyed all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and eight territories about substance use prevention and other related requirements, such as behavioral health topics, in public schools for school year 2024–2025. Fifty-six states and territories responded to GAO’s survey; Florida, Palau, and the U.S. Virgin Islands did not. GAO interviewed officials and reviewed documents from Education, HHS, the Office of National Drug Control Policy, and related technical assistance centers. GAO also interviewed officials from state departments of education, public health, and other agencies in California and New York. GAO selected these states based on whether states require substance use prevention in public schools and the percent of a state’s population living in rural areas, among other criteria. In addition, GAO reviewed relevant federal laws and reports related to substance use prevention.
For more information, contact Jacqeline M. Nowicki at NowickiJ@gao.gov.