Examines the reviews of 421 drug education films prepared over the last decade by the Audiovisual Assessment Group of the Addiction Research Foundation of Ontario. Also outlines the criteria that good drug education films meet and mentions areas for which high quality drug education films have not yet been produced. (Author/JL)

Information about drugs is a basic component of any drug education program. This information must be perceived as credible and trustworthy by the target audience. Results of 16 studies indicate that friends, mass media, and professionals rank highly for most of the population as credible, trusted sources of information. (Author)

Examines results of health education surveys over four testing periods (1977, 1979, 1981, 1983) for approximately 10,000 Canadian students in grades seven, nine, 11, and 13. Results showed students' knowledge scores on drugs were lower than any other health issue, although they were receiving some drug education each year in school. (BH)

Explores some of the explanations for drug use and abuse including environmental influences, models and the influence of family, society and peers, personal criteria, and drugs themselves. Discusses what schools have done and should do in each area. (JAC)

A great many films have been made that deal with all aspects of drugs, their use and abuse. Some of these films are directed at young people within the school setting and are intended as part of drug education. Some insights as to what is happening in this specific area are discussed. (Author)

Examined relationship between cannabis education and use in over 4,000 secondary school students. Seventh graders who reported receiving more cannabis education were more likely to also report having used cannabis. The relationship between cannabis education and cannabis use was not statistically significant for grades 9, 11, or 13, but the trend…

Exposed students (N=2,319) in grades 7-10 to drug use study results showing use of cannabis (marijuana) as uncommon among peer group. Measured influence of new data on perceptions and how changed perceptions might affect cannabis use. Found changing perceptions was difficult. Found student perceptions of drug use bore no relationship to personal…

Teaching students decision-making skills is integral to many drug education programs. Conducted series of studies examining elementary and secondary school students' attitudes toward making decisions. Found different age groups perceived making decisions differently. Suggests practitioners need to take maturational levels into consideration when…

Describes the development and pilot testing of a marihauna education program for grades 7-10. The five-lesson program included a health belief model and a legal deterrance model. Results of the pilot test showed the health program had the greatest impact. (JAC)

Results from two large repeated surveys of Canadian students, sampled from grades 7-13 indicated that little time is allocated to drug education. The most common focus is on alcohol. Most drug education is through the medium of teacher-led classes. Discusses implications for more effective drug education. (Author/RC)