|
WELCOME TO OUR AUGUST E-NEWSLETTER
|
|
Dear *|FNAME|*,
Welcome to Positive Choices' Term 3 2025 newsletter for Teachers and Health Professionals, where we share evidence-based resources and prevention programs so that you can deliver more effective drug and alcohol education to your students or clients, and help to protect them from related harms.
In this edition, you'll find our new factsheet which addresses a common myth around the effects of alcohol on your health, our recent blog post about how language shapes the way we think about alcohol and drug use, plus other helpful educational materials to help you and your students stay informed.
Next Tuesday 12th August is International Youth Day! Every young person has the right to live a safe, happy & healthy life - but this is not always easy during adolescence. To support and empower your students to make positive choices around drugs and alcohol, share these practical tips with them in your next class.
Check out our recently updated FAQ page, which provides key information about Positive Choices and our evaluation findings, plus answers to common questions about the website.
|
|
|
Lastly, follow us on social media and stay up to date with the latest evidence-based drug education resources and prevention programs for young people, as well as relevant news, research and events. You'll find us on Facebook, X and now Bluesky! Links provided below:
|
|
|
NEW FACTSHEET ON ALCOHOL AND HEALTH!
|
|
Despite the evidence revealing various health harms associated with alcohol use, there is a commonly held belief that a little bit of alcohol can be healthy for you. Some parents even consider a small amount of alcohol as being safe for teenagers.
Our new factsheet reveals what has helped shape this belief, how alcohol really affects the body and brain, and why delaying or avoiding drinking is the safest choice for young people.
|
|
|
RESOURCES FOR TEACHERS AND SCHOOLS
|
|
|
Drugs A to Z Factsheet:
Caffeine and Energy Drinks
Is caffeine addictive? How much caffeine can a young person safely consume per day? View our Drugs A to Z factsheet and learn about the immediate and long-term effects of caffeine and energy drinks to share with your students.
|
|
Talking to a young person
about alcohol and other drugs
Some students may feel more comfortable talking about drug or alcohol issues with a teacher or trusted professional over a family member. This factsheet offers tips for having these conversations with a young person.
|
|
|
Access our latest webinar on-demand!
Missed out on our recent webinar with Learning with FASD? Access the full recording + slides here! You'll learn about the impacts of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (or FASD), strategies for secondary school staff supporting young people with FASD + more.
|
|
Recommended Program: The Illicit Project
The Illicit Project is an evidence-based drug and alcohol education program designed for Year 10-12 classes. Consisting of 3x 35-minute online lessons, your students will learn about the impact of drug use on the developing brain + gain practical harm reduction strategies.
|
|
|
RESOURCES FOR ABORIGINAL AND
TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER COMMUNITIES
|
|
|
Support and empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to choose vape free. Lung Foundation Australia, Na Joomelah and the National Best Practice Unit Tackling Indigenous Smoking (NBPU TIS) have recently developed a vaping resource package, including 3x short animated videos and an accompanying factsheet to help young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people learn the facts about vaping. Access it here.
|
|
|
Language plays an important role in how we think about alcohol and other drug use. Our new blog post explores how certain terms can increase stigma and discourage help-seeking, and why using person-first language is key for teachers and school staff when delivering drug education to young people.
|
|
|
Vaping continues to make headlines, with recent stories about how these products are being sold illegally. But what impact does this have? This blog post looks at how media coverage can shape perceptions of vaping, plus practical strategies to encourage young people to think critically about the news.
|
|
|
A new study by Cancer Council NSW's Generation Vape project found 85% of teachers are concerned about student vaping, with "very concerned" rising from 43% to 55% in 12 months. Teachers highlighted a need for consistent strategies to manage vaping in schools. Read more here.
|
|
|
|
NEW STUDY OPPORTUNITY FOR
YOUNG PEOPLE AGED 15-19 YEARS OLD!
|
|
The Illicit Project are currently developing new and improved education modules and want to hear what young people know (and want to know) about substance use, mental health and their developing brains.
Complete a 20-30 minute anonymous survey for a chance to win one of three $100 Prezzee vouchers and/or, join a 45-minute Zoom focus group discussion and receive a $40 Prezzee voucher. To participate in the study, click here.
|
|
|
The aim of this e-newsletter is to provide our subscribers with information about drug prevention resources, and to share relevant news and events.
If you have any feedback, questions or complaints please contact us at info@positivechoices.org.au
Please help us spread the word by forwarding this newsletter to teachers and educators within your networks, as well as health professionals interested in drug prevention for young people, and encourage them to subscribe here.
|
|
|
|