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Drug education in secondary schools - information for parents
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Why have drug education in secondary schools?
Teenagers learn about drugs in many ways. They see drugs and drug use on TV, in movies and magazines. They may have seen people they know using drugs such as alcohol, tobacco and prescribed medicines.
School drug education aims to give young people accurate information about drugs and drug use. Students learn the importance of a healthy lifestyle while they develop and practice skills that will help them stay safe.
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What is a drug?
Generally, a drug changes how the mind and body works. All drugs, whether legal or illegal, have the potential to cause harm.
Legal drugs include caffine, alcohol, tobacco and medicines. Some legal drugs, however, have restrictions placed on them that makes their sale or use illegal. For example, it is illegal to sell or supply alcohol or tobacco to people under the age of 18.
Illegal drugs include marijuana, ecstasy, cocaine and heroin. Although they are not drugs, substances like petrol, glue and other chemicals can be harmful.
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What is taught in secondary school drug education?
Drug education in secondary schools is taught as part of the Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) program. In Years 7 to 10, students have opportunities to:
- consolidate and extend what they have learnt in primary school
- learn about legal drugs including tobacco and alcohol. Some issues discussed are passive and smoking and consequences of alcohol use
- learn about illegal drugs, such as marijuana, that may be of concern to the community
- identify the health, legal and social consequences of drug use. This many include how drug use can affect a person, their family and friends
- develop skills that will help them stay safe. For example, how to say no if they are offered a cigarette or how to avoid getting in a car with a driver who is affected by alcohol or other drugs
- practice ways to respond to an emergency situation involving themselves or someone else
- discuss the laws relating to legal and illegal drugs, including the laws about driving under the influence of alcohol and other drugs
- analyse the influence of the media on young people. For example, the subtle placement of alcohol and tobacco products on TV and within movies or advertisements
- identify support agencies within the community, especially those for young people.
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In Years 11 and 12 students continue to learn about drug issues by participating in Crossroads: A Personal Development and Health Education Course for Stage 6. This course has two focus areas, Working at Relationships and Drug Issues.
Crossroads aims to provide students with an opportunity to discuss issues that are important to them and develop skills, action plans and strategies for managing issues that they may face in adult life. For example, topics may include the effects of drug use on relationships, employment and the community, responsible behaviour surrounding drug use, safe parties and celebrations and the possible consequences of combining drugs.
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Is drug education the same is all schools?
Schools can shape their drug education programs to address the needs of the community while still meeting the requirements of the PDHPE syllabus. It is important that teachers, parents, students and others in the community talk about what is appropriate in drug education and discuss and sensitive issues.
Parents and carers, who are the primary educators of their children, play an important part in educating their children about drug use. Parents are encouraged to talk about drug issues with their children and are invited to discuss any concerns with the school.
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What are the rules regarding drugs at school?
Smoking on school premises is prohibited at all times. This includes all school buildings, gardens, sports fields and car parks.
Alcohol must not be consumed on school premises during school hours or at school functions such as dances and farewells, whenever students from any school are present.
Schools must be places that are free of illegal drugs. Principals will suspend any student who is in possession of a suspected illegal substance.
School counsellors are available to assist students who may be having problems with drug use. If a student is suspended for possession of drugs at school, counselling and other school support will be provided to them.
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Further information
NSW Department of Education and Training
http://www.det.nsw.edu.au
Information about government schools, including policy on managing drug related incidents and suspension.
The NSW Office of Drug Policy
http://www.druginfo.nsw.gov.au
Information on drugs, programs and NSW Government initiatives. There are also links to a range of local and international sites.
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Contacts and support for families
If parents have concerns about drugs and drug use they can contact:
- the principal or counsellor at the school
- the local community health centre
- Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS)
Tel: (02) 9361 8000
Toll Free: 1800 422 599
- Aboriginal Medical Service
Ask the Aboriginal education assistant at your child's school for details
- Aboriginal Legal Services
Advice on legal representation for Indigenous people
Tel:(02) 9318 2122
- The Drug and Alcohol Multicultural Education Centre (DAMEC)
Tel: (02) 9699 3552
Fax: (02) 9699 3131
- Family Drug Support
Tel:(02) 9818 6166
Toll Free: 1300 368 186
- Kids Help Line
Toll Free: 1800 55 1800
- Legal Aid Hotline
Advice for legal rights for under 18s
Toll Free: 1800 101 810
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For information in laguages other than English contact:
- Translating and Interpreting Service
Tel: 13 14 50
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Useful telephone numbers
- Emergency: 000
- Poisons Information Centre: 13 11 26
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