Alcohol and other drug education in schools toolkit

Good drug education helps students make safer and healthier choices.

What is alcohol and other drug education in schools?

Alcohol and other drug education in schools covers the policies, practices, programs and events that schools use to prevent and reduce alcohol and other drug harm. It works in both primary and secondary schools when it follows the principles of effective practice. Engaging students helps shape their attitudes towards alcohol and other drugs and helps them plan for risky situations.

Education works best when it’s interactive, delivered by teachers or other trained staff in regular sessions over several years, and builds students’ personal and social skills. It also helps to show students that most young people in Australia don’t use alcohol or other drugs. Read more in AOD education in schools: what works.

Evidence-based programs for Australian schools

Several programs have been shown to work in Australian schools. Most are for high school students, and some include content suitable for primary school. Positive Choices lists recommended programs.

School policies on alcohol and other drugs

A whole-of-school approach includes clear policies as well as classroom lessons. Effective policies are developed with students, staff and parents; cover alcohol, tobacco and nicotine, other drugs and prescription medicines; apply to everyone in the school community, including at events such as fundraisers; and respond to incidents through education and support rather than punishment.

How Local Drug Action Teams use it

Local Drug Action Teams don’t deliver drug education in schools themselves. Instead, they support schools to choose and run evidence-based programs, share local evidence about alcohol and other drug issues, connect schools with services and training for teachers, run information sessions for parents, and encourage supportive school policies. They often work through a champion in the school, such as a principal, teacher or wellbeing coordinator.

Where it fits in the LDAT program

Local Drug Action Teams use this toolkit as part of their Community Action Plan (CAP).

How Local Drug Action Teams are responding

• OurFutures drug education for schools: how OurFutures works and how Local Drug Action Teams support schools to use it.
• Alexandrina LDAT: Milang Youth Hub: the Alexandrina LDAT supported OurFutures lessons in four local schools.

The full toolkit gives Local Drug Action Teams practical guidance, including:

• evidence-based programs for Australian schools
• guiding principles for encouraging best practice, supporting parents and promoting whole-of-school approaches
• considerations for planning and delivery, including what works and what to avoid, school policies, partners and resources
• key activities and measuring success
• key steps, from engaging schools and sharing local evidence to linking schools with quality programs and developing school policies.

If you’re part of a Local Drug Action Team, you can use the full toolkit on the LDAT platform.

Last reviewed: 4 November 2026