Student Presentations 2026

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, nicotine 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, including the use of other nicotine products such as pouches will 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?

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 ketamine, psychedelics and ecstasy/MDMA 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.

Staff Presentations 2026 

School-based young people and alcohol and other drugs: Hot topics and current trends 2026

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 ketamine, cocaine and the resurgence of psychedelics will be discussed. An overview of current trends in alcohol use and cannabis will be presented. In addition, the school’s role in providing age-appropriate drug education and the important part teachers play in building resilient young people will be examined.

What’s happening with vaping? How have things changed and what’s next?

In recent years, vaping (the use of electronic cigarettes, e-cigarettes or ‘vapes’) has become a growing issue for many schools across the country. Research suggests that the number of students choosing to vape is declining, with far fewer being caught using the devices at school. At the same time other nicotine products, including pouches, now appear to be being used by young people. The session 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.

Parent Presentations 2026

Teens, parties, alcohol and vapes: What do parents need to know?

During adolescence, teens develop a biological need to be around friends and it is important to provide them with opportunities to socialise with their peers whenever possible. Using the most current data available this presentation will examine the use of alcohol and other drugs by school-based young people. Simple strategies will be provided to help ensure teens are able to interact with friends on a Saturday night and, at the same time, reduce the risk of underage drinking and the potential dangers associated with such behaviour. In addition, up-to-date information will be provided on vaping, particularly in relation to young people. It aims to empower parents with a positive message and assist them in having open and honest family discussions in this complex area.

Young people, alcohol and parenting: What does the research say?

Changes in parenting behaviour is one reason put forward for the recent decline in alcohol consumption amongst Australian young people. This session will focus on specific parenting practices that research has identified as most effective when it comes to alcohol and socialising. It will examine the positive influence parents can have on their child’s drinking behaviour, as well as the barriers they may face during adolescence. It aims to empower parents with a positive message and assist them in having open and honest family discussions in this complex area.

‘Risk taking’ – why do teens do the things they do? What can parents do to keep them as safe as possible?

Adolescence is a risky time. As a teen matures and becomes more independent, they experience dramatic hormonal changes, increasing social and peer pressure and have greater access to alcohol and other drugs. This presentation will briefly examine the history of ‘teenagers’, rebellion and the different ‘temptations’ that have existed over time. Using the latest research on the developing brain, it will also discuss why young people make the decisions they do during this time. Sleepovers, parties and gatherings provide teens with valuable opportunities to develop important socialising skills but are not ‘risk-free’. Some practical strategies and tips for parents considering allowing their teen to attend such events to help ensure they are as safe as possible.