frequently asked questions

Q. What are the factors that characterise good drug education?

A.
1. Drug Education is best taught in the context of the school health curriculum.

2. Drug education in schools should be conducted by the teacher of the health curriculum

3. Drug education programs should have sequence, progression and continuity over time throughout schooling

4. Drug education messages across the school environment should be consistent and coherent

5. Drug education programs and resources should be selected to complement the role of the classroom teacher, with selected external resources enhancing, not replacing that role

6. Approaches to drug education should address the values, attitudes and behaviours of the community and the individual

7. Drug education needs to be based on research, effective curriculum practice and identified student needs

8. Objectives for drug education in schools should be linked to the overall goal of harm minimisation

9. Drug education strategies should be related directly to the achievement of the program objectives

10. The emphasis of drug education programs should be on drug use likely to occur in the target group, and drug use which causes the most harm to the individual and society

11. Effective drug education should reflect an understanding of characteristics of the individual, the social context, the drug and the interrelationship of these factors

12. Drug education programs should respond to developmental, gender, cultural, language, socio-economic and lifestyle differences relevant to the level of student drug use

13. Mechanisms should be developed to involve students, parents and the wider community in the school drug education program both at planning and implementation stages

14. The achievement of drug education objectives, processes and outcomes should be evaluated.

15. The selection of drug education programs, activities and resources should be made on the basis of an ability to contribute to long term positive outcomes in the health curriculum and the health environment of the school

Ballard, Gillespie and Irwin Principles for Drug Education in Schools

Q. What is the purpose of a school drug policy?

A. A school drug policy outlines the school's position on legal, illegal and unsanctioned substances, details the schools drug education program and the way in which drug related incidents within the school will be managed. The Centre for Health and Drug Education at Community Solutions provides assistance with developing school drug policies. Contact us at info@aboutdrugeducation.com

Q. When should students begin drug education?

A. Providing messages and resources are developmentally appropriate, students can participate in drug education in any year level.

Q. Into which subject area does drug education fit?

A. Drug education fits comfortably within Health and Physical Education, however it can also fit under English, SOSE, Science and the Arts. A sample drug education module can be found on the Queensland School Curriculum Council's website at www.qscc.qld.gov.au

Q. Are external speakers useful in assisting with drug education?

A. External agencies can be valuable tools to assist teachers in the delivery of school drug education. Agencies should be chosen for their capacity to complement the teacher and their ability to provide sessions that are consistent with the school's philosophy.

Q. Our school is considering the use of an external speaker for drug education. What factors do I need to consider?

A.* (a) Individuals engaged for drug education service/support should be selected on their capacity to contribute to drug related learning outcomes and for their ability to provide services which are beyond the scope and expertise of the staff.
(b) The speaker should be selected on the basis of their program's compliance with the Principles of Drug Education in Schools, particularly the principle relating to the central role of the teacher
(c)There should be understanding and agreement between the school and the speaker regarding the content of the session and the resources to be used with students
* source: Queensland School Drug Education Strategy Draft Guidelines

Q. Where can I locate drug education resources?

A. The Centre for Health and Drug Education at Community Solutions has an extensive resource library. Contact us at info@aboutdrugeducation.com for details about current resources.

Q. How can I use Interpersonal Skills in school drug education?

A. Successful school drug education is more than providing students with information. They also need to develop skills such as advocacy, decision making and strategies to enhance social competence. The experiences students gain through Interpersonal Skills enhance their ability to access and process information and to review and confirm their values.