Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 April 2021
1022. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education the proposed education programme for primary and post-primary students on drugs and alcohol; if this will include behavioural addictions; if this will be given by schools or outsourced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19320/21]
View answerMy Department of Education is active in the area of promotion of health and wellbeing in schools.
As a part of the Junior Cycle, all students undertake the area of learning called Wellbeing. This builds on the substantial work already taking place in schools in support of students’ wellbeing. Wellbeing incorporates learning traditionally included in CSPE, SPHE and PE. Schools may also choose to include other areas in their provision. For example, in recognition of the unique contribution that guidance can make to the promotion of students’ wellbeing, guidance provision may also be included in the hours available for Wellbeing, however, this is at the discretion of the school.
At this critical time in young people’s lives, students are exposed to a range of influences and require support to make positive, responsible decisions relating to their health and wellbeing and the wellbeing of others. Wellbeing in Junior Cycle is about young people feeling confident, happy, healthy and connected.
Wellbeing is one of the principles that underpins Junior Cycle education. It is also reflected in a number of the statements of learning that are central to planning for the student’s experience of and the evaluation of the school’s Junior Cycle programme. These statements include the following:
The student:
- has an awareness of personal values and an understanding of the process of moral decision making
- takes action to safeguard and promote his/her wellbeing and that of others
- is a confident and competent participant in physical activity and is motivated to be physically active
- understands the importance of food and diet in making healthy lifestyle choices
- has the awareness, knowledge, skills, values and motivation to live sustainably
- values what it means to be an active citizen, with rights and responsibilities in local and wider contexts
Schools have a role to play in supporting their students to develop the key skills and knowledge to enable them to make informed choices when faced with a range of difficult issues, including drugs, alcohol and gambling. This is mainly done through the Social Personal and Health Education (SPHE) programme, which has a specific module on the use and misuse of a range of substances. The SPHE course covers student decision-making skills and safety and protection. Students learn how to exercise judgement, weigh up different possibilities, examine the steps and choices that guide them towards considered decision-making, begin to understand their own rights and the rights of others, and explore decision-making. In respect of safety, students’ ability to assess the consequences of risky behaviour is developed.
SPHE is currently mandatory in all primary schools and in Junior Cycle. It also forms part of the mandatory 'Wellbeing' area of learning for the new Junior Cycle which was introduced in September 2017. Schools are also encouraged to deliver the SPHE programme in senior cycle.
Current best practice guidelines for the delivery of SPHE indicate that the classroom teacher is the best placed professional to work sensitively and consistently with students and that individual themes such as Substance Misuse Prevention should not be treated in isolation but should be integrated with the other SPHE modules.
‘Know the Score’, launched in November 2019, is the first national evidence-based resource on alcohol and drugs for senior cycle students and was developed in partnership between public health and education professionals, with input from teachers and young people. This resource for teachers of senior cycle students is aimed at guiding and supporting them to improve their knowledge and strengthen their skills in dealing with the risks associated with alcohol and drugs.
Aimed at 15-18 year olds, the content is based on research about effective approaches to the prevention of substance misuse. Students and teachers were involved in the design of the 14 lessons and supporting digital content, which aim to facilitate informed discussions about alcohol and drugs in the classroom.
Topics addressed include building cultural awareness of attitudes towards alcohol in Ireland, the impact of alcohol on the body and the brain, the influences of alcohol branding and sponsorship and information on how to provide emergency care if they are concerned about someone who has been drinking or taking drugs.
