Climate Schools
Description
The Climate Schools programs are universal, web-based programs designed to prevent substance use and related harms among secondary school students. There are currently four evidence-based programs/modules available:
Alcohol Module (Year 8)
Alcohol and Cannabis Module (Year 8 or 9)
Cannabis and Psychostimulant Module (Year 10)
Ecstasy and Emerging Drugs Module (Year 10)
Each module is designed to be easily implemented across one school term and is made up of six 40 minute lessons. Each lesson contains an online cartoon component, completed individually by students, and optional teacher-delivered activities. Teachers also have access to the online Teacher Centre which contains implementation guides, links to syllabus documents and teacher summaries to support the delivery of the Climate Schools programs.
Evaluation Evidence
Through six randomised controlled trials, including 14,169 students from 157 schools, the Climate Schools programs have been found to be effective at reducing alcohol use and binge drinking, reducing alcohol and drug related harms, reducing cannabis and ecstasy use, and increasing knowledge about alcohol and other drugs.
Monitoring Recommendations
Teachers are able to monitor their students’ progress online through the Climate Schools teacher centre.
Monitoring and implementation advice is available from the program developers.
Contact:
Email: info@climateschools.com.au
P: (02) 8627 9012
Program Details
Target Audience:
Secondary school: 13 - 17 years (Years 8-10)
Program Type:
School focused programs
Target Risk Factors:
Substance use
Favourable attitudes towards alcohol and other drug use
Community laws and norms favourable to substance use
Early initiation of alcohol and other drug use
Friends’ use of alcohol and other drugs
Target Protective Factors:
Social skills
Emotional control
School opportunities for prosocial involvement
Community Indicators:
Alcohol and other drug use
Low utilisation of alcohol harm minimisation strategies and skills