South Australia Implements Cross-sector School Drug Education

The South Australian Cross-sector Adolescents and Alcohol Initiative 2009 that involved 38 Government and Independent schools in the State is the winner of the School Drug Education Category of the 2010 National Drug and Alcohol Awards.

The other two Finalists in this Category are the Drug Education in Victorian Schools Project, and MAKINGtheLINK – a school-based program in Victoria focussing on cannabis use and mental health problems.

Concluded in December 2009, the project considered the National Alcohol Strategy, the National Binge Drinking Strategy, and the whole-of-government (draft) South Australian Alcohol Action Plan.

The approach taken to deliver the Adolescents and Alcohol Initiative 2009 reflects State and Federal Government positions on harm minimisation to prevent and reduce the harm associated with alcohol. This involved teachers in an inquiry-minded improvement approach to promote a deeper understanding of issues, dynamics and consequences of adolescent alcohol use; as well as good practice in teaching and learning consistent with the Principles for School Drug Education.

The Project promoted evidence-based approaches to the prevention of alcohol and other drug related harms, the most significant of these being disinhibitors to alcohol use that research has identified as connection to schooling, engagement in learning, positive relationships, support/ trust/ empathy/ respect, and knowledge/ ability to help themselves. Involvement in the Initiatives has provided schools with an opportunity to strengthen or extend alcohol education through the broad and inclusive participation of young people, to involve parents and community, and share learning with colleagues.

The Project has supported school leaders and teachers to build positive school cultures that promote resilience across the four domains of practice – school environment, policy and procedures, partnerships, and curriculum.

There was also extensive advocacy for the use of the 12 Principles for School Drug Education as a broad conceptual tool to inform the planning, implementation and review of each school's drug education programs, policies and practices.

The Winner was announced at the National Drug and Alcohol Awards Dinner on Friday 25 June 2010 at the Citigate King George Square Hotel in Brisbane.

Media Enquiries: Brian Flanagan, NDAA Event Manager – Phone: 0400 860 058 (m)

25 June 2010

Top of page | Home

Prime Minister’s award | Excellence in prevention | Excellence in treatment | Excellence in research | Excellence in services for young people | Excellence in law enforcement | Excellence in alcohol and drug media reporting | Excellence in school drug education | Excellence in creating healthy sporting communities | Honour Roll | How to enter | Media releases | Contacts | Previous awards

© National Drug and Alcohol Awards 2010
Web design by Starkis Design