Alcohol and other drugs (including vaping) are an increasingly unavoidable part of the world most young people inhabit, whether online, in real life or both, and schools are key players in enabling them to gain the knowledge and skills they need to inhabit that world safely. Recent government data for England shows that 51% of 15-year-olds in England have been offered illegal drugs and 32 per cent have tried them at least once, while in Scotland the figures are 47% of 15 year olds being offered drugs and 21 per cent trying them at least once. These figures reflect that by the time they reach the end of their teens, a majority will have had to make a decision about drugs, and those most young people, whatever their age, don’t use drugs or drink to excess, some do. Of those, some will come to harm.
Evidence shows that universal, evidence-based drug education, embedded within a whole-school programme of PSHE/PSE, can prevent or reduce harm from drugs to young people, and the school community, environment, policies and wider practices can also all play a protective role.
Drug education is mandatory in state-funded schools in England and Wales as part of Health Education, along with Relationships Education in primary schools, and Relationships and Sex Education in secondary schools, and what this should cover is outlined in DfE guidelines. However, it is essential that this is done following evidence-based practice, in order not only to maximise the benefits, but also avoid increasing risk to students.
All DSM Foundation drug education delivery and resources follow evidence-based practice, as well as enabling schools in England and Wales to meet the requirements of the Relationships, Sex and Health Education curriculum. To gain some insight into the DSM Foundation’s approach to drug education, listen to the podcast interview with Dr Suzi Gage, as part of her “Say Why to Drugs” series.
There is a considerable international body of research evaluating school-based intervention programmes aiming to prevent or delay onset of substance use, or to reduce use and/or harm. This identifies common characteristics of effective programmes, and also what has been shown to be ineffective, ie. it has increased risk for young people.
The DSM Foundation has led on the formation of the Drugs Education Forum, which brings together providers and practitioners from across the sector to uphold evidence-based standards, share best practice and advocate for all young people to have access to high quality drugs education. For more information, click here
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