The NSW Government recognises the importance of preventative action and the key role of schools in helping young people become aware of the dangers of drugs. The NSW Drug Summit agreed that abstinence, prevention and development of students' skills were a key factor when dealing with drugs.
NSW Health: The Health Behaviours of Secondary School Students in NSW 2002
The report The Health Behaviours of Secondary School Students in New South Wales 2002 is an overview of the main health behaviours of NSW secondary school students. It provides information on lifestyle behaviours including: substance use, such as smoking and drinking alcohol; sun protection; eating habits; involvement in physical activity; and the areas of mental wellbeing and injuries. October 2004
NSW Department of Education (DET): Drug Education
Drug education is currently taught in every NSW government primary and secondary school from Kindergarten to Year 10. This links to information and resources on the DET website.
Back to top
Australian Government
Australian secondary school students' use of over-the-counter and illicit substances in 2002
This report describes the results of the third national survey on the use of over-the-counter and illicit substances by Australian secondary school students. The survey was conducted in 2002 in each State and Territory. This report is based on data collected from 23,417 male and female students aged 12-17 years surveyed in 363 schools. November 2004
Guidelines to Support the Development of School-Based Drug Education Policies and Practices
These guidelines have been produced to assist schools and school authorities to develop their own policies.
Innovation and Good Practice in Drug Education
A series of eight monographs drawn from the findings of the National School Drug Education Strategy Innovation and Good Practice project. They have been developed to inform school principals and staff about the range of best practices, views and approaches for effective Australian school drug education. 2003
National Framework for Protocols for Managing the Possession, Use and/or Distribution of Illicit and Other Unsanctioned Drugs in Schools
National School Drug Education Strategy
One of a number of National Drug Action Plans developed under the National Drug Strategic Framework. The Plans set out the priorities for reducing the harm arising from the use of licit and illicit drugs, including alcohol; strategies for taking action on these priorities; and performance indicators.
Resilience Education and Drug Information (REDI)
The REDI website is a drug resource for Australian school communities. It is a database of information about resources, policies and materials for drug education and incident management. Resources are specifically designed for students, teachers and other members of the school community.
Back to top
Other Australian States
South Australia: DECS
Contains information and research on general drug issues. It includes information on strategies that are , projects and programs and curriculum resources.
Tasmanian Government. Drug initiatives & schools
This site reflects the response made to the 'National Illicit Drug Strategy'. It is from the Tasmanian Department of Education. This site emphasises the provision of supportive environments in the school and surrounding community to promote resilience in young people.
Tasmania: Management of Drug Issues and Drug Education in Tasmanian Government Schools and Colleges
Policies and procedures to deal with drug related issues.
Victoria: Turning the Tide. Individual School Drug Education Strategy Guidelines (ISDES)
SOFWEB
Provides parent information, an explanation of Commonwealth initiatives, access to other resources, etc.
The resource section for use in drug education is particularly useful.
Western Australia Government: School Drug Education Project (SDEP)
An initiative of the Western Australian education departments. Its aim is to ensure that effective drug education is provided in all schools. SDEP provide some excellent curriculum materials.
The School Drug Education Project is also committed to providing parent and community education
Back to top
Other Australian Links
Australian Drug Foundation (ADF)
- Drug Testing in Schools
From the Centre for Youth Drug Studies (CYDS)
- Drug education approaches in primary schools
A fact sheet discussing drug education as part of the primary school curriculum and its effectiveness in preventing drug-related harm. It offers some tips on developing effective programs and procedures. November 2002
- Some statistics on student drug use
Research that has been conducted across the Australian community to improve knowledge about drug use. This fact sheet presents some statistics on drug use among school students. November 2002
- Drug education approaches in secondary schools
This reports aims to facilitate access to the growing knowledge of drug education approaches in secondary schools. It reviews the technical evidence for the effectiveness of drug education plus reports on consultations that examine practitioner’s views on current practice in drug education. November 2002
DrugSafe
This site is from Life Education Australia, a registered charity that provides school-based drug education to around 1 million Australian primary and high school students each year.
EdNA Online
Website
EDNA aims to support and promote the benefits of the Internet for learning, education and training in Australia. It is organised around the Australian curriculum, its tools are free to Australian educators, and it is funded by the bodies responsible for education provision in Australia - all Australian governments. EdNA Online provides two key functions - a directory about education and training in Australia and a database of Web-based resources useful for teaching and learning.
National Drug and Alcohol Research Council (NDARC): Drug Use Amongst Secondary School Students
A factsheet based on a survey on the use of over-the-counter and illicit substances by secondary students.
Back to top
International
NIDA goes back to school
Science based drug education for parents and schools. It also contains a link to the Mind Over Matter series which is designed to encourage young people in grades five through nine to learn about the effects of drug abuse on the body and the brain.
UK Government: Drugs: Guidance for Schools
US Government: Higher Education Centre
Established by the U.S. Department of Education to provide support for alcohol and other drug prevention efforts. The Center works to prevent illegal alcohol and other drug use among students. This website has links to an extensive list of resources.
American Council for Drug Education (ACDE)
ADCE is a substance abuse prevention and education agency that develops programs and materials based on the most current scientific research on drug use. The ADCE site contains a range of educational programs and services designed to engage teens, address the needs of parents, and provide employers, educators, health professionals, policy-makers and the media with authoritative information on tobacco, alcohol and drugs such as marijuana, cocaine and heroin.
Back to top
| 
