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. Most recent government data shows that 59% of 15-year-olds in England (47% in Scotland) have been offered illegal drugs, and 38% (21% in Scotland) have tried them at least once,[1] and by the time they reach the end of their teens a majority will have had to make a decision about drugs. Most young people, whatever their age, don’t use drugs or drink to excess, but some do, and some that do will come to harm, and any harm is avoidable.

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.[2]

Drug education is also now 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. DfE guidelines published in June 2019 outline what this should cover. 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.