Prevention

Prevention programs targeting substance abuse, violence, or sexually transmitted diseases such as human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) often focus on increasing awareness of the issues surrounding these problems within at-risk populations. Adolescents and young adults are frequently the most affected. Because music is one of the biggest influences on the beliefs and views of adolescents, some programs have effectively used music as part of these educational strategies. An approach that utilizes music that is popular within the targeted subculture can often prove a valuable tool for reaching affected youths. Other schemes aimed at preventing risky behavior associated with music use have focused on minimizing the dangers to youths attending music events such as raves. In other cases, government agencies have used music as part of offensives to prevent crime.