The authors said that their research had identified factors which could promote effectiveness in drug education. 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. 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 must 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.
This is mainly due to uncertainty about appropriate content and resources. The researchers also called for a partnership strategy between schools and other services to be adopted more widely. Meanwhile, Mr Fred Forrester, Deputy General-Secretary of the EIS teachers' union, called for better training to be provided, adding that the union would like to see a more prescriptive approach to drug education from government.