D.A.R.E. feels the hit HBO series “Euphoria” glamorizes substance abuse, and the anti-drug organization is requesting a meeting to express their concerns.
The organization told TMZ:
Rather than further each parent’s desire to keep their children safe from the potentially horrific consequences of drug abuse and other high-risk behavior, HBO’s television drama, Euphoria, chooses to misguidedly glorify and erroneously depict high school student drug use, addiction, anonymous sex, violence, and other destructive behaviors as common and widespread in today’s world.
It is unfortunate that HBO, social media, television program reviewers, and paid advertising have chosen to refer to the show as ‘groundbreaking,’ rather than recognizing the potential negative consequences on school-age children who today face unparalleled risks and mental health challenges.
We would welcome the opportunity for our team, including members of our high school-aged Youth Advocacy Board, to meet with individuals at HBO who are involved with producing Euphoria to present our concerns directly.
D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) was founded in 1983, and it is a police officer-led series of classroom lessons that teaches children from kindergarten through 12th grade how to resist peer pressure and live productive drug and violence-free lives.
Euphoria’s main character Rue, played by Zendaya, is a high school student that is a chronic drug user.
And her drug use is shown in graphic detail on the show.
In an early season 2 episode, Rue nearly OD’s, and she is shown being injected with Narcan to prevent it from happening.
Watch the clip from the show below:
The executive produces of Euphoria feel they are giving an “honest” representation of high school drug use, but they are not taking into account the effects the show may have on young minds.
Zendaya recently took to her Instagram account to reiterate to viewers that the show is meant for mature audiences.
I know I’ve said this before, but I do want to reiterate to everyone that Euphoria is for mature audiences.
This season, maybe even more so than the last, is deeply emotional and deals with subject matter that can be triggering and difficult to watch.
Please only watch it if you feel comfortable. Take care of yourself and know that either way you are still loved and I can still feel your support.
All my love, Daya.”
See Zendaya’s original IG post below (swipe):
A controversial show about high school is definitely going to attract high school viewers.
Source: TMZ
