Student Perspectives on Drug Education in Ontario, Canada - CANCELLED

• In Event: Adolescent Drug Use, Education, and Peer Influence

Abstract

To find out what youth want to learn about when it comes to standard drug education curriculum, we asked high school students in Southwestern Ontario what should be included.
Methods:
To do this, we conducted focus group discussions with high school students. These discussions aimed to explore students' perspectives on drug education content and pedagogical approaches that they find most beneficial.
Results:
The students expressed a strong preference for a comprehensive drug education curriculum that covers the full spectrum of information related to substances and substance use. They advocated for education based on the biological, psychological, and social aspects of drug use and its impacts. Additionally, students favoured a harm reduction approach, emphasizing practical strategies to minimize negative consequences associated with drug use.
Conclusions:
The findings highlight the importance of incorporating student voices into the development of drug education curricula. By adopting a comprehensive, bio-psycho-social, and harm reduction-focused approach, educators can provide students with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed decisions about substance use. This approach not only meets students' educational needs but also aligns with contemporary understandings of effective drug education.

Authors

• Jennifer Silcox, King's University College at Western University

• Tara Bruno, King's University College at Western University

• Laura Rosen, King's University College at Western University