The following principles are based on a set of Principles devised by the University of Canberra in a document called Drug Education in Schools in 1994, which have been revised by the Commonwealth under the auspices of the National School Drug Education Strategy, 2004.
- Base drug education on sound theory and current research and use evaluation to inform decisions.
- Embed drug education within a comprehensive whole school approach to promoting health and wellbeing.
- Establish drug education outcomes that are appropriate to the school context and contribute to the overall goal of minimising drug-related harm.
- Promote a safe, supportive and inclusive school environment as part of seeking to prevent or reduce drug-related harm.
- Promote collaborative relationships between students, staff, families and the broader community in the planning and implementation of school drug education.
- Provide culturally appropriate, targeted and responsive drug education that addresses local needs, values and priorities.
- Acknowledge that a range of risk and protective factors impact on health and education outcomes, and influence choices about drug use.
- Use consistent policy and practice to inform and manage responses to drug-related incidents and risks.
- Locate programs within a curriculum framework, thus providing timely, developmentally appropriate and ongoing drug education.
- Ensure that teachers are resourced and supported in their central role in delivering drug education programs.
- Use student-centred, interactive strategies to develop students’ knowledge, skills, attitudes and values.
- Provide accurate information and meaningful learning activities that dispel myths about drug use and focus on real life contexts and challenges.
2004 Commonwealth of Australia. This work is copyright.
For a complete copy of the Principles for school drug education go to www.redi.gov.au or email drugeducationprogramme@dest.gov.au
Medical and health care
Drug education