A Rational Approach to Drug Prevention in the Primary School: Practice Review and Policy Developments

This study defines a structured approach to the development of drug prevention policy and practice in the primary school, based on experience in the field over the last twelve years. Starting with an appraisal and discussion of the setting within which drug prevention must operate - both within the school and across the society at large - the study goes on to suggest the criteria against which the school's policy and practice can be optimised. The relationship in practice between the primary school and the other age groups, and the wider community is explored. A constructive distinction between drug education and drug prevention is drawn, and forms a background to an appraisal of the relative and absolute effectiveness of prevention approaches in the British scene. A comparison with other countries is made. Significant packages for the primary school setting are described in detail. A synthesis of the whole study is offered, with the aim of assisting primary schools to develop and deliver on effective prevention specifications.