Talks for School Students - 2025
by Paul Dillon (DARTA)
Description
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, vaping 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 harms, with an emphasis on mental health will be discussed, as well as some of the warning signs that could indicate a person may be experiencing problems with their cannabis use. An update on vaping will also be provided, particularly around how to assist a friend who may want to quit. 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?
In the final session delivered to students a range of topics will be covered. To assist young drivers, 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 illicits such as ecstasy/MDMA and ketamine will also be discussed. Hot topic issues such as drink spiking will also be covered if time permits. 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.
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, vaping 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 harms, with an emphasis on mental health will be discussed, as well as some of the warning signs that could indicate a person may be experiencing problems with their cannabis use. An update on vaping will also be provided, particularly around how to assist a friend who may want to quit. 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?
In the final session delivered to students a range of topics will be covered. To assist young drivers, 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 illicits such as ecstasy/MDMA and ketamine will also be discussed. Hot topic issues such as drink spiking will also be covered if time permits. 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.
Details
Audience
Senior Students (Year 10, 11 & 12)
Duration
80 minutes minimum
Requirements
Projection (Powerpoint) facilities. Windows PC Laptop (or Apple Mac, with notice). Microphone (lapel mic preferred). Paul’s presentations do not use audio.