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Welcome back to Term 3! In this newsletter, we'll be sharing resources available for teachers and school staff to support students in making positive choices. We recently hosted a webinar on e-cigarettes and vaping, which has been an increasing concern for schools. Make sure you watch the recording and access our factsheet to find out more! To access other resources for teachers and schools:
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WEBINAR RECORDING NOW AVAILABLE
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Did you miss our latest webinar? Catch up on the recording now! This webinar was presented by Professor Hayden McRobbie from the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre at the University of New South Wales. It covers:
- What e-cigarettes and vaping are and the effects of their use
- Current research findings on vaping among youth
- Strategies for schools to prevent vaping among youth
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RESOURCES FOR TEACHERS AND SCHOOLS
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Electronic cigarettes (vaping)
Looking for classroom resources on e-cigarettes and vaping? Share this factsheet in your next health education class. It includes information about e-cigarettes, their effects, laws for their use, and the truth behind some common myths.
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Mental health during COVID-19
Your students may be feeling stressed or overwhelmed by the recent lockdowns and changing restrictions. This factsheet for students provides information about mental health, getting support and the use of alcohol and other drugs during stressful times. Click here to access the factsheet.
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Drugs and the law
What are legal highs? What is the difference between minor and major drug offences? Help your students understand the legal implications around drug use and possession. Read more in this factsheet.
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Making choices
There are many reasons why young people may choose to use alcohol and other drugs. Sometimes they may be in situations where refusing is difficult or awkward. To guide your students into making their own positive choices, read this factsheet.
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The Mental Health and Wellbeing of Young People Learning Hub
Have you registered for the Generation Next online seminar series? The eLearning Hub is an online library of evidence-based wellbeing content that can be used for professional development. Sign up today and watch the Positive Choices course 'Risk factors for Alcohol and Other Drug Use: Implications for prevention."
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REGISTER FOR THE NEXT PREVENTURE WORKSHOP
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Preventure is a brief intervention aimed at improving mental health and preventing adolescent substance use. By developing personality-specific coping skills, the program has been effective in:
- reducing the uptake and harmful use of alcohol,
- reducing symptoms of anxiety and depressions, and
- reducing conduct problems.
The 2-day workshop will provide practical training on delivery of the Preventure program. This workshop is aimed at educators, such as teachers, school counsellors, and youth workers. Register for the next workshop on 16-17 August 2021 at Great Lakes College, Forster Campus NSW. Should COVID-19 restrictions prevent travel from Sydney to Forster for our trainers, we will host the workshop virtually.
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If you have any questions, please contact lucinda.grummitt@sydney.edu.au. To find out more about Preventure, click here.
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RESOURCES FOR ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER COMMUNITIES
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Talking with young people about alcohol and other drugs
A trusted teacher or school staff member can be a first point of contact for students to talk about alcohol and other drug use. This factsheet provides tips on communicating effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students about alcohol and other drug use.
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Cannabis yarns
Have you shared the Cannabis Yarns video series with your students? The National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre worked with two Aboriginal communities to help local people record their stories about how cannabis affects individuals, families and the community. Watch the videos here.
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A recent study examined risky behaviours among high school students in the U.S. Students who used e-cigarettes and/or marijuana were more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviours. They were also more likely to report adverse school outcomes.
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The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has released a report on the health and wellbeing of Australia's youth. The report found that rates of drinking at risky levels, smoking daily and using illicit drugs fell between 2001 and 2019 (among 14-24 year olds). Find out more here.
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Adolescent alcohol use is related to changes in brain structure and function. For example, binge drinking and heavy alcohol use is associated with poorer cognitive functioning (e.g. poorer memory, learning and attention). This review summarises the current evidence on how alcohol use affects the adolescent brain.
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Get your FREE copy of the teachers and schools booklet for more information about school-based drug prevention. There is also a student version that can be used in your next health education class!
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The aim of this e-newsletter is to provide our subscribers with information about drug prevention resources, and to share relevant news and events.
Please help us spread the word by forwarding this newsletter to other teachers and school staff in your networks, and encourage them to subscribe here.
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