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Study after study has shown that perceived peer drinking plays an enormous role in a student’s decision to consume alcohol. The more anxious a student is to fit in, the greater the likelihood that he will be influenced by these supposed norms, especially boys, for whom heavy drinking may carry less of a stigma than for girls. Experts say that the factor that most strongly predicts both the initial age and future use of alcohol and drugs is a student’s normative beliefs (perceptions about the pervasiveness and acceptability of a behavior among peers).

Why is there such a discrepancy between perceived and true student drinking? One answer could rest in the types of kids who are doing the drinking. Studies show that not only do student athletes have “significantly higher levels of perceived drinking” than nonathletes, but also they actually drink more. This could be because sports teams develop tight groups and therefore more stringent behavioral norms, or because jocks are often considered popular, which means they are more likely to be invited to social events involving alcohol. Remember, two of the hallmarks of a perceived popular student are that he is visible and influential. If the populars say that “everyone” is drinking, then many other students will be exposed to this opinion.

Fortunately, one method of prevention is designed to curb risky behavior specifically by addressing these misperceptions. FCD Educational Services, a small nonprofit, is one of many organizations that uses social norms to change behaviors and attitudes toward substance abuse in schools. Most of FCD’s programs begin with a survey about students’ own actions and their perceptions of peers. “In every single school, almost every single kid grossly overexaggerates peer use of alcohol and other drugs,” said Renee Soulis, FCD southeast regional officer and senior prevention specialist.

FCD, which has “an enormously high success rate” of changing behaviors, then reveals the actual numbers to students, driving the message home with presentations, school-wide marketing campaigns, and/or classroom activities that reinforce healthy attitudes and debunk the myth that “everyone” is drinking. In some communities, FCD uses high school data to improve middle school attitudes. “The middle schoolers think that everyone drinks in high school. We get nondrinking seniors to talk to eighth graders with the survey data. You can see the false perceptions start to shrink,” Soulis said. FCD also addresses parent and teacher misperceptions. “Parents feel isolated so much of the time,” Soulis said. “When they realize the vast amount of parents who are working with this [and feel the same way], they feel empowered.”

Regan discovered another way to use social norms to resist the pressure to drink: She publicly identified herself as part of a group that has a substance-free lifestyle as its norm. Straight Edge began as a movement among punks; the hardcore punk band Minor Threat coined the term in a song of the same name. Straight Edge kids often wear the group’s symbol, the letter X, on clothes or the back of a hand, co-opting the sign that clubs and bars use to mark underage patrons. (SXE and XXX are other common Straight Edge variations.)

For Regan, Straight Edge was both a validation and a defense of her lifestyle. “I like having a term to identify myself,” she said. “I know I’m not the only one resisting. When you offer someone chocolate, and they say they’re diabetic, you don’t ask again. Straight Edge affords me that same respect.”

JOY, CALIFORNIA | THE NEW GIRL

A new girl arrived in PE, assigned to the gym locker next to Joy’s. Her clothing and shoes were ripped, her body odor was strong, and she had bruises on her arms and legs. Joy noticed her pretty blonde hair and nice teeth. “Hi, are you new here?” Joy asked gently.

“Yeah.”

“Welcome to Citygrove! Where are you from?”

“I’m from El Dorado.” The girl positioned herself as if to hide the contents of her locker.

“Did you get in a fight?” Joy asked, eyeing the girl