Illegal Drugs - Teacher Booklet

Illegal Drugs - The Facts 7 For more information see www.positivechoices.org.au how teachers can guide their students against drug use and related harms Young people are likely to spend more waking hours in the school environment around teachers than at home with their parents; and because of this, the social environment of the school is a key factor influencing the development of young people. Research has shown that a positive relationship with school, which creates a greater sense of community, attachment, and performance, is associated with reduced potential for drug abuse. As a teacher, you can help a student have a positive relationship with their school by: • Setting clear rules and boundaries which are consistently enforced in a reasonable and measured manner. • Keeping an open mind and asking students for their opinions. • Givingpraiseandrewardforstudents’goodbehaviour,achievementsandaccomplishments. • Encouraging constructive use of time. • Modelling a sense of optimism and a positive view of learning. • Encouraging participation in extracurricular activities. • Encouraging reading for pleasure outside of school hours. • Being a good listener.