Sign up to receive our regular news and events announcements – we send about one newsletter per month.

Open Right

Paul Dillon (DARTA): Talks for School Staff & Those Who Work With Young People – 2024

Session Info:

For talks aimed at school staff, and others who work with young people, Paul offers a range of topics to select from. These are most often delivered as part of a whole school community program, but can be tailored and delivered in other contexts.

School-based young people and alcohol and other drugs: Hot topics 2023

COVID-19 and the resulting restrictions have had a significant impact on the way many Australian secondary school students have been able to socialise with their peers. Using the most current data, this presentation will provide information on young people and their use of alcohol and other drugs. A number of ‘hot topics’ such as vaping, the use of social media apps to purchase drugs and the resurgence of psychedelics will also be discussed. Finally, the school’s role in providing age-appropriate drug education and the important part teachers play in building resilient young people will be examined.

Drugs and mental health: What do teachers need to know?

There has recently been great discussion about the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of young Australians and, once again, schools are being asked to assist with yet another complex social issue. With that in mind, this presentation will firstly examine what we currently know about school-based young people and their mental health. What is the link between alcohol and other drug (AOD) use and mental health and, most importantly, what do we know about the AOD use of students with a mental health diagnosis? Information will be provided on the impact of the use of particular substances on mental health, including alcohol, cannabis, ecstasy/MDMA and psychedelics. Vaping will also be discussed. Finally, the school’s role will be examined, as well as what the classroom teacher can realistically do in this complex area.

Vaping – ‘short and sweet’: What do teachers need to know?

Vaping (the use of electronic cigarettes, e-cigarettes or ‘vapes’) has become a growing issue for many schools across the country. This session will provide up-to-date and accurate information on the use of e-cigarettes and vaping, as well as examine prevention messages that are most likely to be effective when working with school-based young people. It will also discuss the importance of a whole school approach involving clear policies, best practice AOD education and accurate and up-to-date information disseminated across the school community.

Relevant Links

DARTA provides samples of some of Paul’s presentations here.

Paul maintains a blog through which parents & caregivers can stay up to date and have questions answered here, and one directed at young people here.