School-based primary prevention: what is an effective program?

Our model makes us pessimistic about quick-fixes. Short-term, narrowly focused programs designed to increase children's knowledge or some limited aspect of their competence are unlikely to be effective in preventing AIDS. Our model suggests that what protects a child from AIDS is not knowledge or isolated social skills but rather the quality of bonds to school, family, and other socialization agents. Ultimately, the school-based route to prevention of AIDS will work only if schools are effective socialization agents: effective in meeting children's needs for autonomy, belonging, and competence, and thereby in helping children build the motivation and social competence they will need to avoid many kinds of high-risk behavior over many years.