Quality Assurance 11. Drug Strategies in European Union Member States 12. Primary prevention 9.1.1 School programmes Effective drug education in schools is being promoted through the Healthy Schools Standard, which was launched in October 1999, and the implementation of the Personal, Social and Health Education framework in all schools, also introduced in October 1999. A number of pilot projects have been established to encourage links between Primary Care Groups and their local schools. Health Professionals support teachers in the delivery of health promotions messages, including drug prevention and education.
Projects also cover a wide range of related information on smoking, alcohol and sexual health.
In Scotland, all schools are expected to provide pupils with appropriate drug education and to have a welfare policy for managing drug related incidents. These cover truants and school excludees, young offenders, young homeless people and children of drug misusing parents. The National Drugs Helpline is a service run by Healthwise under contract to the Department of Health. This internet service enables teachers, parents, voluntary groups and any other interested parties easy access to drug prevention materials. The service has been accessed approximately 65,000 times to date.