Senior Student Seminar – Paul Dillon, Drugs and Alcohol Research and Training Australia (DARTA)

The results from the recent Social and Emotional Wellbeing survey, data collected direct from our students, indicated the need to educate our students further around drugs and alcohol. The College invited Paul Dillon back again this year,  to address our Senior Students on the following topics:

Year 10 - Young people, alcohol and risk taking: Looking after your mates

Focusing primarily on alcohol, this introductory session attempts to debunk some of the myths in this area, particularly around how to look after friends. To help ensure young people make healthier choices, accurate, up-to-date and credible information is provided, including the latest prevalence rates of alcohol and other drug use by secondary school students, with a focus on ‘positive norms’, i.e., how many young people choose not to drink alcohol or use other drugs. Basic life skills will also be discussed around alcohol-related emergencies, including knowing when to call an ambulance.  

Year 11 - Alcohol and cannabis: What if something goes wrong?

This presentation reviews and builds upon the practical strategies around ‘looking after your friends’ that were introduced in the Year 10 session. Information on cannabis will be provided, highlighting ‘positive norms’ once again, i.e., the majority of young people do not use the drug and use has declined over the years. Potential cannabis-related harms will be discussed, with an emphasis on the drug’s impact on mental health. Students will be provided with some warning signs that could indicate a person may be experiencing problems with their cannabis use. The impact of alcohol on the adolescent brain will also be discussed, highlighting the potential risks of drinking during the teen years.  

Year 12 - 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) will be provided. Some basic facts about ecstasy/MDMA will also be discussed, including the impact that being caught with an illicit substance can have on a young person’s life, as well as the importance of seeking help as quickly as possible should something go wrong.