What students think their peers are doing often matters more than what’s actually true. In this episode of Choices Unfiltered, we sit down with David Sherrell, Editor-in-Chief of the EmpowerED Library, to explore how social norms shape the way middle and high school students see substance use—and themselves.
We dig into why misperceptions about peer behavior are so common, how media and culture fuel them, and the ways schools can flip the script to promote healthier, more accurate norms. David also shares insights on the power of student voice, the role of storytelling, and why positive peer influence might be one of the strongest prevention tools we have.
Whether you’re an educator, parent, or just curious about what really drives teen choices, this conversation shines a light on the small shifts that can make a big difference.