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Chapter 5: Conclusions
5.1 There are three broad conclusions that arise from this review. First, children and teachers are enthused by the event. There is no doubt that the large-scale 'rock concert' format is extremely popular and makes for an exciting day out. The scale of the event has a major impact on the way the children perceive the event, the atmosphere created by the thousands of children in attendance creates a euphoria that could not be recreated in the classroom.
5.2 Second, this review does not show a significant shift in factual knowledge, relating to drugs, alcohol or smoking as a result of the event. Instead, messages about drugs, alcohol and smoking provided by other methods are reinforced. However, the events provide more affective or emotional messages: the pupils now feel they have more awareness of what could happen if they use drugs and feel they have more confidence to handle situations where they are offered them. However, the pupils hold misconceptions of how these situations are likely present themselves, begging the question of how well equipped they would be to deal with real life situations.
5.3 Although the Choices for Life event is still remembered after a year has passed, we cannot say whether the event has any impact more than one year into the future. This is important as it is later in secondary school that we would expect that a significant proportion of young people might experiment with drugs, alcohol or smoking 4. That almost all 11 and 12 year olds say they currently have no intention to try drugs is unrealistic considering that current evidence suggests that a substantial proportion will by the time they are 15 years old.
5.4 The important feature of Choices for Life is its ability to enthuse young people about these issues and reinforce messages. However, it seems likely that its input is limited by taking place at the end of the school term.
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