Just Say No Anti Drug Slogan

1982 Just Say No Campaign

In 1982, First Lady Nancy Reagan, on a visit to an elementary school was asked by a little girl what should she do if offered drugs? Mrs. Reagan  replied, 'Just Say No'. So started the famous phrase which became a everlasting staple and butt of jokes in the 1980's.

The Reagan Administration's War on Drugs, was already in full effect at the time, now the catchy slogan could be attached to the anti drug campaign.

You really have to hand it to Nancy Reagan, she did work hard on this, and the famous slogan really did take off.

Just Say No programs and clubs were started in schools across the nation (over 5,000). Nancy Reagan appeared on morning talk shows spreading the message.

She even appeared in episodes of the TV shows Different Strokes and Punky Brewster in episodes that dealt with the anti drug program. She was everywhere!  

Just Say No was everywhere in the 80's. You could not escape it. She even took the campaign international in 1985. The United Kingdom started a 'Drugwatch' program, based on the Just Say No Campaign.

Later on, the famous phrase was not just limited to drugs, as Just Say No was also used to discourage premarital sex.  The program suffered it's share of criticism as it was seen too costly in many eyes. Other issues at the time - unemployment and poverty were not given the attention they deserved so said many critics.

Take a look at this PSA for Just Say No - and people wonder why the campaign was not taken seriously by some? Please, try to contain your laughter , this was serious stuff !