Drug and Alcohol Education
The Scottish Government wants children and young people to develop the knowledge and understanding, the skills and the abilities to grow and fulfill their potential - to be able to take care of their mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing both now and in the future.
Curriculum for Excellence is the Scottish Government's ambitious plan to raise standards in learning and teaching in Scotland for all 3-18 year olds to ensure young people are well prepared for life in the 21st century. It's designed to nurture successful, effective, confident and responsible young people. The plan balances the importance of knowledge and skills, with every teacher having responsibility for literacy, numeracy, health and wellbeing.
As part of that responsibility for health and wellbeing, Scottish schools provide education that highlights the dangers of drink and drugs to pupils. This covers controlled drugs, safe use of medicines, alcohol, tobacco and solvents. Giving clear information on the risks helps young people to make healthy choices.
Each school works with a range of partners - health and social workers, community workers, speech therapists and other specialists - to promote health and wellbeing. These professionals work together to support young people, taking into account their stage of growth, development and maturity as well as where and how they live.
Children and young people can expect support in a number ways, including:
Developing self-awareness, self worth and respect for others
Meeting challenges, managing change and building relationships
Experiencing positive aspects of healthy living and activity for themselves
Establishing a pattern of health and wellbeing which they can carry into adult life, which will then impact on the health and wellbeing of the next generation of Scottish children
Useful information
Further detailed information on substance misuse education within the curriculum.
The Know the Score campaign gives information about drugs to children and young people, parents and professionals.
Schools must also have procedures for managing incidents of drugs misuse and smoking. To help them, they receive Guidance for the Management of the Incidence of Drugs Misuse.