The findings suggest that pupils are likely to respond positively to particular teaching methods, for example participative ones such as role play. We can now see this information beginning to inform policy and practice, providing a sound basis to build on. There was little change in substance misuse over the period of the project. The percentage of pupils who report that they smoke tobacco regularly increases with age and it is still the girls who seem to be smoking more. We most remember that almost all pupils are against using illegal drugs and most do not use them.
Pupils are three times more likely to drink alcohol than use illegal drugs.
The researchers concluded that school-based drug education has the potential to influence young people's behaviour but that it is important to have realistic expectations of what can be achieved. Specific drug education in primary schools is mainly taught to Primary 7 and to a lesser extent, P6 pupils. Secondary pupils up to S3 get specifically time-tabled slots of drug education. For older secondary pupils, drug education is brought in as appropriate within Personal and Social Education classes. Schools and authorities are reviewing their drug education policies and practice.