ABSTRACT
Education in schools is a major plank of the current drug prevention strategy in the UK. By informing young people about the risks of substance misuse and equipping them with skills to deal with drug-offer situations, schools are expected to play a leading role in protecting children and young people from substance-related harm. However, this can be a difficult issue for schools to address, and guidance is needed on how to deliver engaging and effective drug education. This chapter examines the evidence base for effective curricular and whole school approaches to substance misuse, looks at some of the conflicting expectations surrounding school-based drug education, and argues for a more realistic assessment of schools’ role within broader substance misuse prevention efforts. The focus is on illicit substances, although we make reference to tobacco and alcohol where appropriate.
