School-based harm reduction with adolescents: a pilot study

Fischer, Nina

doi:10.1186/s13011-022-00502-1

Cited by 7 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 20 publications

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“…In a randomized controlled trial of a harm reduction cannabis education program in Australian high schools, Lester et al [ 21 ] found that students in the experimental group reported significantly less cannabis-related harms and significantly smaller increases in cannabis consumption rates at three years post-test. Fischer [ 22 ] conducted a pilot study of an American school-based harm reduction program, reporting that participating high school students exhibited a significant increase in harm reduction knowledge and behaviours from pre-test to post-test.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A survey of educator perspectives toward teaching harm reduction cannabis education

Downey,

Bishop,

Donnan

et al. 2024

PLoS ONE

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Introduction Substance use is common among youth which can adversely affect youth health. Despite the legalization of cannabis in Canada and much of the United States, there is a lack of harm reduction cannabis education in schools. In addition, educators may not feel prepared to teach students about cannabis. Methods A cross-sectional survey explored educator perceptions toward teaching harm reduction substance use education to students in grades 4–12. Data analysis included descriptive statistics to evaluate demographic variables, ANOVAs to identify subgroup differences, and inductive thematic analysis to establish themes from open-ended responses. From the sample of 170 educators, the majority were female (77%) and worked as classroom teachers (59%). Results Ninety-two percent of educators felt harm reduction was an effective approach to substance use education, and 84% stated that they would feel comfortable teaching cannabis harm reduction education to students. While 68% of educators believed they would be able to recognize if a student was under the influence of cannabis, only 39% felt certain about how to respond to student cannabis use, and just 8% felt that their current teacher training allowed them to intervene and prevent cannabis-related harms. Most educators (89%) expressed interest in harm reduction training, particularly interactive training (70%) and instructor-led lessons (51%). Online curriculum resources were preferred by 57%. Responses differed by gender and age group, with females of any age and educators under 40 reporting greater support of harm reduction approaches and more interest in training. Conclusion Educators expressed considerable support for harm reduction substance use education, but many felt unprepared to address this topic with students. The findings identified a need for educator training on harm reduction substance use education, so that educators can help students make informed choices around substance use, thereby promoting youth health and safety.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%