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Cannabis and consequences
This cannabis education kit consists of a video, a parent information booklet and a guide for educators. The guide contains 24 activities for the middle years of secondary schooling and is divided into five sections: introduction, knowledge-gathering, help-seeking, video and web-based. Activities may be used for a one-off session or for a comprehensive unit on cannabis education and have been designed to promote multiple intelligence teaching methods. Activities encourage students to further their knowledge of cannabis issues, to identify the risks and harms of cannabis use and to develop skills in problem-solving, seeking help and decision-making.
Innovation and good practice monographs
A series of eight specialist papers that identify successful approaches to drug education as well as areas for improvement. They are designed to inform leaders in the field of school drug education about the range of practices, views and approaches directing the way forward for school drug education in Australia. They offer strategic direction and assist teachers by focussing on techniques that students are most responsive to, allowing teachers to take a best practice approach.
The eight monographs are:
Over 90 schools participated in this research project which involved reviewing, analysing and document their drug education methods to determine what works best in the classroom. In addition to the monographs, a separate report shares the project results and provides insight into a range of issues that impact on successful drug education. Student wellbeing, community support and school curriculum were among the issues explored. One of the main findings was that student safety, engagement, connectedness, self-worth and resilience are the most vital elements of successful drug education
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National alcohol strategy: a plan for action
2006 to 2009
The National Alcohol Strategy 2006-2009 was developed as a response to the patterns of high risk alcohol consumption that are prevalent in Australia. Each year approximately 3,000 people die as a result of excessive alcohol consumption and around 65,000 people are hospitalised. With the annual cost to the Australian community of alcohol-related social problems estimated to be $7.6 billion.
The Strategy was endorsed by the Ministerial Council on Drug Strategy (MCDS) in May 2006 and was developed through collaboration between Australian governments, non-government and industry partners and the broader community. It outlines priority areas for coordinated action to develop drinking cultures that support a reduction in alcohol-related harm in Australia
National framework for protocols for managing the possession, use and/or distribution of illicit and other unsanctioned drugs in schools
The National Framework aims to help school communities develop ways of managing drug-related incidents on a nationally consistent basis. It outlines the context and rationale for the Framework and lists guiding principles for responding to drug-related incidents. It also lists key elements and components for preventive drug education, and for intervening appropriately to drug-related incidents. Intervention elements include appropriate school policies and action plans, liason and referral with other agencies, and support for students. A glossary is included.
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National school drug education strategy
This document contains information on the background and development of the National School Drug Education Strategy. It lists the objectives, outcomes and performance indicators for the strategy, as well as the implementation and reporting requirements. The goal of the strategy is "no illicit drugs in schools", and objectives include the development of safe school environments, the promotion and development of school drug education policies, curriculum and resources, to enhance the professional practice of teachers, to involve parents about drug related issues, to provide strategies for particular regions or target groups, and to maintain and strengthen the role of research. Selection criteria for funding proposals are included in the appendices.
- Download the National school drug education strategy (
PDF 132KB)
Principles for school drug education
This document provides a framework of core concepts and values to support effective drug education practice within schools. The twelve principles are organised around four key interconnecting themes for effective school drug education: comprehensive and evidence-based practice; positive school climate and relationships; targeted to needs and context; and effective pedagogy. They are intended to convey the essence of what is currently understood as effective school practice, without prescribing a specific set of actions or procedures within a school.
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