Education around illicit substances and alcohol within the education system: FOI release

Information requested

Information regarding education around illicit substances and alcohol within the education system specifically:

• Is this part of the curriculum? If no has it ever been part of it?
• If it is - who provides the education and what does the learning consist of?
• Is there a reason as to why this may not be right or awareness raised?
• Would the education department be open to exploring this given the increase in drug related deaths?

Response

Learners develop their understanding of the use and misuse of a variety of substances including over the counter and prescribed medicines, alcohol, drugs, tobacco, and solvents. They explore and develop their understanding of the impact of risk-taking behaviour on their life choices from early years through to the Senior Phase/post-16.

Further information can be found here: Substance misuse | Supporting health and wellbeing | Learning at home | Parentzone Scotland | Parentzone Scotland (education.gov.scot)

Schools and establishments use several different resources and partners to deliver the health and wellbeing curriculum. The lessons and input are developed and delivered in relation to the circumstances of each learning community. Local Alcohol and Drug Partners (ADP), charities and online resources may be used to inform and develop substance misuse lessons.

Below is a brief list of some of the partners and resources schools may use to develop and deliver substance misuse lessons.

• Health and Wellbeing – Young Scot
• Truth About E-cigarettes – Young Scot
• Rory | Reducing harm caused by alcohol (roryresource.org.uk)
• Find Out About Drugs - Know the Score
• Honest information about drugs | FRANK (talktofrank.com)

It is for local authorities and schools to consider the resources and approaches that they utilise in supporting children and young people’s learning within a Curriculum for Excellence.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at http://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.