Addressing alcohol in the context of elementary education: the social imaginary reconstruction of teachers

Alcohol consumption is considered a global problem, principally affecting adolescents. In this context, the aims of this study were to identify the pedagogical strategies developed by elementary school teachers in the approach to alcohol with adolescents; To analyze the attitudes, beliefs, values and practices of the elementary school teachers in relation to alcohol; To discuss the repercussions of the attitudes, beliefs, values and practices of the teachers about alcohol in the dialogue with the students and in the implementation of the strategies referred to above. This was a qualitative study performed with 26 teachers of a Rio de Janeiro public school. The data were analyzed through thematic content analysis and grouped into 5 categories. It was concluded that social imaginary and attitudinal construction of the teachers directly interferes with the personal and professional practice and has repercussions in the quotidian life of the students. It was noted that the focus should not just be on the students, but on the relationship of the teachers with their pedagogic strategies.