D.A.R.E. Calls Out 'Euphoria' for Glamorizing Drug Use
Claiming that the show “erroneously depict[s] high school student drug use, addiction, anonymous sex, violence and other destructive behaviors.”
HBO‘s hit show Euphoria starring Zendaya and Hunter Schafer is being called out by the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) for glamorizing drug use, in addition to sex and violence.
The education program issued a statement:
“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 further expressed its interest in speaking with representatives of the series. “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.”
For those who have yet to watch the TV show, Euphoria, currently in its second season, follows a group of high school students who navigate their teen years, relationships, struggles with addiction and more. Ahead of the sophomore installment, Zendaya took to Instagram to warn fans that the episodes “can be triggering and difficult to watch.”
