This course encourages students to develop knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors that enable them to make responsible decisions about health. In addition to learning about personal and consumer health, students learn how personal issues, others, culture, media, and other factors influence their decisions and the consequences that these decisions may have. Students study the physical and psychological effects and potential dangers of medicine misuse, tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana along with ways to resist and refuse peer pressure. During the family life sexually transmitted infections (STI) prevention unit (parental permission required), students learn about the changes that occur in adolescence (including human reproduction), that can occur at different times, and that are normal and experienced by everyone. Students identify abstinence as the surest way to prevent pregnancy and STI’s, and become aware of the existence of birth control. Through this course students will understand sexual harassment and sexual assault, including prevention skills, appropriate intervention, and be able to demonstrate effective advocacy skills. All family life curricular materials are reviewed by a Family Life Advisory Committee.