2.1 The aim of drug education (DfES Drugs: Guidance for Schools, 2004 page 18)
Drug education is a major component of drug prevention. Drug prevention aims to: minimise the number of young people engaging in drug use; delay the age of onset of first use; reduce the harm caused by drugs; and enable those who have concerns about drugs to seek help.
The aim of drug education is to provide opportunities for pupils to develop their knowledge, skills, attitudes and understanding about drugs and appreciate the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, relating this to their own and others’ actions.
Drug education is an important aspect of the curriculum for all schools. It should:
- enable pupils to explore their own and other peoples’ attitudes towards drugs, drug use and drug users, including challenging stereotypes, and exploring media and social influences.
- develop pupils' personal and social skills to make informed decisions and keep temselves safe and healthy.
- increase pupils’ knowledge and understanding and clarify misconceptions
All schools need to set realistic aims for their drug education which include the above and which are consistent with the values and ethos of the school and the laws of society, as well as appropriate to the age and maturity of pupils.
This web page provides support and advice as well as practical sesssions for all schools.
The Young People's Drug and Alcohol Service provides services for young people under 18 years, whose use of drugs and alcohol is problematic or at risk of becoming difficult to manage. Services provided include: 1:1 counselling, advice and information and referral for specialist treatment such as prescribing and detoxification (when this is appropriate). We also provide advice, consultation and training for professionals working with groups of young people.
If you want a confidential chat, call us on 01454 868763 Monday-Friday 9.00am-4.30pm or email us at: ypservice@outhglos.gov.uk anytime.