Switched Off to Switched On: Engaging Young People in Substance Misuse Education

The session will enable participants to explore how we can effectively engage young people in Substance Misuse Education within the framework of a Curriculum for Excellence.

Participants will explore young people's views and experiences of Substance Misuse Education by considering recent research in this area (Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Drug Education in Scottish Schools, Stead M et al, Scottish Government Research Findings, 2007).

This research examined the extent to which Substance Misuse Education taught in Scotland at the time of the study reflected evidence-based principles, and also the extent to which it met young people's own perceived needs and interests.

Examples of how the experiences and outcomes of Curriculum for Excellence across different curricular areas can support Substance Misuse Education will be identified.

An input on ThinknDrinkn, Alcohol Awareness Project, Renfrewshire Council where young people used games technology and music to create an education resource on alcohol awareness will demonstrate cross-curricular links.

Participants will have an opportunity to discuss the approaches and techniques they use in Substance Misuse Education and will identify any areas for development to help meet the needs of the young people they are working with.

Louise Anusas  is Development Officer for Sexual Health and Substance Misuse with Learning and Teaching Scotland. Her role is to advise and support local authorities and partners in delivering all aspects of sexual health and substance misuse education in the school setting.

She is on secondment from West Dunbartonshire Council where she was employed as Senior Health Development Officer with the Health Promoting Schools Programme.