The National School Drug Education Strategy strengthens the provision of educational programmes and supportive environments that contribute to the goal of no illicit drugs in schools. This goal is based on the belief that illicit and other unsanctioned drug use in schools is unacceptable. The focus is on educational outcomes.
The strategy also seeks to help students with drug-related problems and deter the presence and use of unsanctioned drugs in schools.
The overall objectives are to:
- support the development of safe school environments for Australian school students
- in conjunction with students, parents, related agencies and the broader school community, develop initiatives, programmes and guidelines that support and enhance state and territory drug education strategies
- identify, disseminate and promote the use of good practice models of school drug education policies, programmes, curriculum and resources
- enhance the range of drug education curriculum materials and resources
- enhance the professional practice of teachers and school support staff and support the training of pre-service teachers
- in partnership with other stakeholders such as the Department of Health and Ageing, inform, engage and involve parents about drug-related issues
- observe community cultural protocols and, in conjunction with students, parents and the broader school community, identify areas of particular need and provide strategies for regions and/or targeted groups
- maintain and strengthen the role of research in the development and delivery of school drug education programmes, and ensure that school-aged children are included in other relevant research under the National School Drug Education Strategy.
