STAGE 5. Defining the action plan

What steps should be completed?

Step 1: Specify intervention actions

EDUCATIONAL INTERVENTIONS (IN SCHOOL) TO TEACH PERSONAL AND SOCIAL SKILLS*

Training in personal and social skills in school during childhood can prevent drug use in the future. These interventions may also have a positive effect on drug use risk factors and protection factors, such as the level of commitment to school, academic performance, self-esteem, mental well-being, and the ability to resist pressure to use drugs.

The characteristics associated with the good or poor functioning (lack of effects or negative effects) of this mode of intervention are:

GOOD FUNCTIONING	POOR FUNCTIONING
Working on a wide range of personal and social skills. Including multiple sessions in a structured format. Including revision sessions over several years. Being administered by teachers or trained professionals. Being based on interactive methods.	Using passive learning methods, such as taught classes, talks or conferences. Being limited to merely providing information about drugs and their risks. Resorting to fear (to warn about the risks and consequences of drug use) Focusing solely on working on self-esteem and/or emotional education.

 

* Based on International Standards on Drug Use Prevention (UNODC):