It can be a hard thing to be a student in school fighting the pressures to use drugs and alcohol.

Suffolk Public Schools want to be an ally in that fight.

Next week, the school system will participate in the annual Red Ribbon Week, which is a national program aimed at raising students’ awareness of the pitfalls that come with drug and alcohol use.

“We regard Red Ribbon Week as the kickoff to a year of prevention in our schools and in our communities,” said Bettie Swain, coordinator of compensatory programs for Suffolk Public Schools. “The observance of Red Ribbon Week provides multiple opportunities for students, parents, teachers and others to join together to address the alcohol, tobacco, other drug- and violence-related issues or concerns in the community and nation at large.”

Each school in the district will have various activities planned to celebrate the week and will involve all of the student body and administration.

“For Suffolk Public Schools, the planned activities, embedded in best practices, will inspire young people,” Swain said. “Additionally, these activities will also remind teachers that we must work every day to help develop the protective skills that students need in order to prevent alcohol, tobacco, other drug use and violence.”