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International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction

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01-06-2020 | Original Article

An Examination of Universal Drug Education Programming in Ontario, Canada’s Elementary School System

Authors: Tara L. Bruno, Rick Csiernik

Published in: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction | Issue 3/2020

Abstract

School-based drug education initiatives are designed and marketed to prevent substance use and misuse. Over the past several decades, school-based drug education has evolved from delivering only information about drugs and the negative outcomes of their use to a multi-faceted, interactive approach, with several programs now using a combination of information, decision-making, social competency and to a lesser extent, harm minimization. Our study using a case study of a sample of Ontario, Canada elementary schools, found that the majority of programs that are being offered are selected less by empirically supported outcome studies than popular belief and marketing. Based on our findings we recommend that a consistent set of criteria be established based upon best practices to assist educational decision makers select prevention programs rather than allowing marketing or ideological positions govern what is delivered.

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Title: An Examination of Universal Drug Education Programming in Ontario, Canada’s Elementary School System
Authors: Tara L. Bruno
Rick Csiernik
Publication date: 01-06-2020
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction / Issue 3/2020
Print ISSN: 1557-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1557-1882
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-018-9977-6

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An Examination of Universal Drug Education Programming in Ontario, Canada’s Elementary School System

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