Lesson Idea | Drugs and Alcohol (Primary School)

Description

This educational resource helps primary school students understand drugs, alcohol, and the risks associated with substance use. Through a series of engaging activities, students learn about four common illegal drugs, including what they look like, how they can affect the body, and the legal consequences of using them.

The lessons also encourage students to think about the importance of making healthy and safe choices. They explore how to recognise potentially dangerous situations and understand the risks they may face. Divided into four stages, the resource guides students through key topics and learning objectives in a structured way. It also provides teachers with activities and guidance to support classroom discussions. Throughout the lessons, students are encouraged to recognise when they need help and learn where they can turn for support.

PSHE Criteria KS 1-2

• H1. about what keeping healthy means; different ways to keep healthy
• H6. that medicines (including vaccinations and immunisations and those that support allergic reactions) can help people to stay healthy
• H10. about the people who help us to stay physically healthy
• H29. to recognise risk in simple everyday situations and what action to take to minimise harm
• H31. that household products (including medicines) can be harmful if not used correctly
• H33. about the people whose job it is to help keep us safe
• H37. about things that people can put into their body or on their skin; how these can affect how people feel
• H1. how to make informed decisions about health
• H3. about choices that support a healthy lifestyle, and recognise what might influence these
• H4. how to recognise that habits can have both positive and negative effects on a healthy lifestyle
• H10: how medicines, when used responsibly, contribute to health; that some diseases can be prevented by vaccinations and immunisations; how allergies can be managed
• H40: about the importance of taking medicines correctly and using household products safely (e.g. following instructions carefully)
• H46: about the risks and effects of legal drugs common to everyday life (e.g. cigarettes, e-cigarettes/vaping, alcohol and medicines) and their impact on health; recognise that drug use can become a habit which can be difficult to break
• H47: to recognise that there are laws surrounding the use of legal drugs and that some drugs are illegal to own, use and give to others
• H48. about why people choose to use or not use drugs (including nicotine, alcohol and medicines)
• H49. about the mixed messages in the media about drugs, including alcohol and smoking/vaping
• H50. about the organisations that can support people concerning alcohol, tobacco and nicotine or other drug use; people they can talk to if they have concerns
• R28. how to recognise pressure from others to do something unsafe or that makes them feel uncomfortable and strategies for managing this
• L1. to recognise reasons for rules and laws; consequences of not adhering to rules and laws