Children and Young People Now magazine (12 Dec 2007 – 9 Jan 2008) reports on the findings of a Mentor UK consultation on drug education.
Ahead of the drug strategy’s launch next year, the Department for Children, Schools and Families asked drug prevention charity Mentor UK to consult with young people. The charity’s Youth Involvement Project arranged interviews with 17 teenagers aged 13 to 16, all of whom said that they wanted schools to play a bigger part in teaching drug awareness.
In a report based on the interviews it is revealed that several of the young people interviewed said they had not received any drug education at school. Of those who did, several said that teachers too often gave their own opinion and appeared “to lack knowledge about drugs.” The young people also suggested that drug education should take place out of schools, with sessions run by youth services.
Preferred teaching methods included a DVD made by young people about drug prevention, real-life stories of drug addiction and the latest information about health risks.
All the young people interviewed wanted to see some form of drug education in primary schools, although they were careful to emphasise that this must not shock or frighten pupils. The focus should be on the dangers of drink and drugs and practical advice on what to do if they found alcohol in the home, for example.
Susi Farnworth, Mentor UK’s development officer, commenting to Children and Young People Now , said:
“What this study shows is an overwhelming support among young people for some kind of drug education in school, as long as it involves practical learning, such as drama and role play, rather than simply listening to a lecture.”
For more information please contact Ruth Goldsmith in the DrugScope Press Office on 020 7940 7517 (07736 895563 out of hours) or at press@drugscope.org.uk
