Paul Dillon from Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia (DARTA), visited the School this Monday to speak to students in Years 10 to 12 about the dangers of drug and alcohol use. In alignment with the new Australian Health and Physical Education Curriculum, Paul provided each year group with a different presentation.
For Year 10 he spoke about Young people, alcohol and risk taking: Looking after your mates. The introductory session was focused on alcohol and attempts to debunk some of the myths in this area, particularly around how to look after someone who has drunk too much. He used some real-life stories and discussed basic life skills on how to deal with alcohol-related emergencies including knowing when to call an ambulance.
For Year 11 Paul discussed Alcohol and cannabis: What do you and your friends need to know? The presentation reviewed and built upon the practical strategies introduced in the Year 10 session. He also talked about potential cannabis-related harms, with an emphasis on mental health, as well as some of the possible warning signs that could indicate a person may be experiencing problems with their cannabis use. Finally, the impact of alcohol on the adolescent brain highlighting the potential risks of drinking during the teen years.
And for Year 12 the presentation was about Last year at school: What do I need to know about alcohol and other drugs? By their final year of school, many students will either be driving or about to get their licence. To ensure these young drivers are as prepared as possible, information about drink driving and the process of random breath testing (RBT), as well as roadside (RDT) or mobile drug testing (MDT) was provided. Paul also mentioned the importance of seeking help as quickly as possible if something goes wrong.
Education is the cornerstone of personal development, and IGS serves as the compass guiding students through the complexities of life. For Year 10 to 12 students, this pivotal phase is marked by transitions, self-discovery, and newfound independence. It is also a time when they may encounter critical decisions about drug and alcohol use. Understanding the dangers and consequences is paramount in safeguarding their futures.
IGS acknowledges that it is important for our students to have access to good quality information and best practice drug education, and Paul has been working in the area for almost 30 years. Through education, awareness, and community engagement, we are equipping students to make informed choices, safeguarding their futures and contributing to a healthier, stronger society.
About Paul Dillon and DARTA
Paul is a book author of Teenagers, Alcohol and Drugs released nationally in February 2009. With a broad knowledge of a range of content areas, Paul regularly provides media comment and is regarded as a key social commentator in Australia, appearing on a wide range of television programs including Sunrise, TODAY and A Current Affair discussing topical issues. Paul also had a regular spot on a national radio program on Triple J for several years where he dealt with current youth drug issues. Paul has a blog where he discusses topical issues of the day, as well as addressing some of the questions and queries he is regularly asked by those attending his presentations. There is some very interesting material contained in his website here that we encourage you to explore.