Drugs, Alcohol and Tobacco Education – Overview

All drugs, including medicines, alcohol and tobacco, have the potential to harm; but some drugs are more harmful than others.  For a small number of people, drugs lead to serious and far-reaching consequences not only for themselves, but their families, their communities and society in general.  For children and young people in particular, drugs, alcohol and tobacco can impact on their education, their relationships with family and friends and prevent them from reaching their full potential.

All children and young people need to be able to make safe, healthy and responsible decisions about drugs, both legal and illegal.  Schools play a central role in helping them make such decisions by providing education about the risk and effects of drugs and developing knowledge, skills and understanding to manage risky situations confidently.  The teaching of drug, alcohol and tobacco education begins at an early age in primary schools and continues to be taught in primary and secondary schools.  

The Warrington Healthy Schools Team are encouraging schools to respond effectively to drugs, alcohol and tobacco by having:

• A well planned drug education programme which takes account of the age and needs of the pupils so that teaching is relevant and engaging.
• A drug policy developed in consultation with the whole school community, which outlines the school’s response to all drug matters.
• Strategies in place to identify and support young people for whom drugs, alcohol and tobacco may be a problem.
• Staff who are confident and skilled to deliver effective drug, alcohol and tobacco education.    

Parents/carers have an important role to play in supporting their child’s drug, alcohol and tobacco education.  Parents/carers could familiarise themselves with the school’s approach to drug, alcohol and tobacco education and be aware of the importance of starting drug education from an early age.  This will help parents/carers to provide key messages at appropriate times throughout their child’s personal and social development.

If somebody is worried about their own, or someone else’s drug or alcohol use, there are people who can help.  

Related Pages:

• Warrington Healthy Schools Team
• National healthy schools status
• Youth Service 
• PHAZE drug intervention service for young people   

External websites:

• Footsteps
• Talk to Frank
• Re-Solv Society
• Parents Against Drug Abuse (PADA)

Contact us:
warringtonHSP@warrington.go.uk