Research shows that 90% of young people will have experimented
with alcohol by 17-years-of age. Given the importance of prevention
and early intervention in reducing the problems associated
with drinking too much, schools are one of the settings in
which to lay the foundations of alcohol education.
To be effective, drug education should be part of a comprehensive
health education program. Furthermore, for drug education
to be effective it should be:
- a mandatory part of school curriculum
- taught as a discrete and specified component of health education
courses
- taught consistently throughout a school student’s
education career
- adequately supported through teacher training, professional
development of teachers and curriculum materials
- based on the WA Education Department’s Health Education
K-10 Syllabus.
- outside educators going into schools should, alongside teachers
be part of an ongoing, long-term program, rather than a one-off
session.
For more information on school-based drug education
programs contact the
Your school’s drug policy should be reflective of other
school policies and current legislation in relation to drugs
and drug use. Whilst meeting your school’s individual
needs, a school drug policy should address prevention, identification
and intervention in relation to the use of alcohol, tobacco,
medicines and other drugs.
Comprehensive school drug policies need to include:
- the aim of the policy
- what is expected of the school and the students
- regulations
- disciplinary procedures for all situations in which drug
use may be a factor.
It is essential that all members of your school community
have the opportunity to contribute to the development of your
drug policy. The final document is more likely to be accepted
and implemented effectively, if the school community has been
widely involved in its development, agree with its content
and understands its purpose.
For more information on how to develop a school drug
policy contact the
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