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Paul Dillon (DARTA): Talks for School Students – 2024

Session Info:

For talks aimed at school students, presentations are fixed in content and format.

Year 10
Young people, alcohol and risk taking: Looking after your mates

This introductory session focuses on alcohol and attempts to debunk some of the myths in this area, particularly around how to look after someone who has drunk too much. Simple strategies to keep themselves and their friends safer when they are socialising will be provided to the students. Using the latest prevalence data, ‘positive norms’ will be promoted, i.e., the majority of Year 10s do not use drugs. Information will also be provided on e-cigarettes and vaping. Finally, using real-life stories, basic life skills on how to deal with alcohol-related emergencies will be discussed, including knowing when to call an ambulance.

Year 11
Alcohol and cannabis: What do you and your friends need to know?

This presentation reviews and builds upon the practical strategies introduced in the Year 10 session. Information on cannabis will be provided, once again focusing on ‘positive norms’ i.e., most young people do not use the drug and fewer teens are using it than in the past. Potential cannabis-related harms, with an emphasis on mental health will be discussed, as well as some of the possible warning signs that could indicate a person may be experiencing problems with their cannabis use. An update on vaping and e-cigarettes will also be provided. Finally, the impact of alcohol on the adolescent brain will be discussed, highlighting the potential risks of drinking during the teen years.

Year 12
Last year at school: What do I need to know about alcohol and other drugs?

By their final year of school, many students will either be driving or about to get their licence. To ensure these young drivers are as prepared as possible, information about drink driving and the process of random breath testing (RBT), as well as roadside (RDT) or mobile drug testing (MDT) will be provided. Depending on the group, information about ecstasy/MDMA and psychedelics will also be discussed, including the implications of being caught with an illicit substance in your possession. Finally, the importance of seeking help as quickly as possible should something go wrong will also be reiterated.

Program Restrictions & Conditions

Talks for students are provided only as part of whole school programs that also include talks to both school staff, and to parents & caregivers.

Paul does not present to students in year levels below Year 10. (His reasoning can be read here).

Session durations must be a minimum of 80 minutes for student talks.

Bookings that do not meet these criteria will be asked to amend their program, or may be declined.

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.