Carmel RC College Engaging Parents to Raise Achievement

Personal, Social, Health Education (PHSE) The new PSHE Programme

Drug & Alcohol Social Norms Survey – Carmel College ‘Most young people do not drink alcohol or use drugs’

What is the basis of social norms campaigns? Perception and reality often differ; Most young people overestimate what ‘normal’ levels of alcohol and drug misuse are for young people their age. This contributes to a sense that these unhealthy behaviours are ‘normal’ and on that basis expected. This perception can be reinforced by negative media attention focussed on “drunken teens” and drinking culture.

Our response….. Publicise the fact that most young people do not misuse substances using a range of approaches. Show young people that their perceptions were inaccurate. The approach is effective because the evidence base comes from young people’s own responses to a recent survey. It also provides a useful insight in to the needs of young people in the school.

Does it work? Yes, it’s been a great success in America with issues such as alcohol use, smoking and seat belt use. Other projects in the North East and UK have replicated this success. In this school pupils from years 9,10 & 11 took part in the survey, here are some key findings.

Key Findings from Carmel College Drug & Alcohol Social Norms Survey Alcohol Perception: 80% of young people overestimated the percentage of their peers who drank in the last 7 days. Actual reported level 34%, average estimate 56%. 83% overestimated the % of their peers who were drunk last week. Actual reported level 12%, average estimate 40%. As expected reported levels of alcohol misuse increases as children become older:

Drug Misuse Most young people (78%) reported that they had not taken any illegal drugs ever in their lifetime –88% Year 9; 75% Year 10; 72% Year 11 Cannabis was generally reported as the most commonly used drug; but Year 9 reported that more had used solvents than cannabis

Drug Misuse Both Year 9s and 10 pupils were more likely to have used solvents than Year 11s – suggesting that use of these drugs may be on the increase or accessible to younger children When young people were asked about their peers’ drug use; 64% overestimated the proportion of their peers who had ever taken illegal drugs.

Cannabis is illegal 29% of pupils in years 9 to 11 think cannabis is legal. FACT: On the 26th January 2009 Cannabis was reclassified up from a Class C to Class B drug. FACT: The maximum prison sentence for possession of cannabis has gone up from 2yrs to 5yrs. The maximum fine has gone up from £1000 to £2500. These changes apply to adults and young people aged years.

The Social Norms approach is not…….. A solution for those with current misuse issues, although it does support intervention. It is an instrument for achieving and supporting social change – preventing the onset of problems.

Summary Alcohol affects far more young people than drug misuse. Information is available to advise you about young people’s alcohol consumption. If you or your children ever require any additional support regarding alcohol, drug or solvent misuse the SWITCH team are there. Vast majority of children and young people in Carmel College make healthy choices but they currently think that this is far less common than it actually is. ‘Most young people do not drink alcohol or use drugs’

E Safety Awareness Carmel RC College Thursday 12 th November 2009

Aims and Objectives To assist parents and carers with responsibility for children and young people to: Acquire an understanding of the vulnerability of children and young people when communicating using electronic devices Be aware of grooming techniques used by sex offenders To know what to do when faced with an E Safety Safeguarding issue Provide reliable sources of support

Why education is important 55% access the internet every day 47% for a hour or more 21% like IM/Chat the most 33% had access in their bedrooms 25% have met someone off-line, quarter of these did not take anyone with them Of the three quarters who did, 83% took a friend not a trusted adult CEOP 2007

Tom’s Story ‘How can this happen? I’ve got good computer security at home.’

Top Tips Talk about online experiences Share time on computer Discuss & agree rules for using computers / mobile phones / games consoles Consider having computer access only in family areas, rather than children’s bedrooms Consider using a ‘net-nanny’ type program

Top Tips Understand what is meant by ‘personal details’ Recognise spam, junk & texts, phishing messages It’s OK to delete and/or reject ‘cold call’ messages Keep lines of communication open Make sure you have up to date antivirus & malware protection on all computers

Support

Colin Pearson Safeguarding Children Officer Children's Services Duty Team Ray Green Learning Technologies Adviser Darlington Children’s Services

Where’s Klaus? ‘The kids know more than me about computers. The school sort out all this stuff, don’t they ?’