Lesson 1:  Introduction to DARE/Self Esteem

Explores children’s perceptions about what a drug is, and understanding that we live in a society where drugs are widely used, including legal drugs (medicines, caffeine, alcohol and tobacco) and illegal drugs.

The children also begin to understand how all drugs can be harmful if they are misused. The session concludes with an introduction to looking at self esteem.

Lesson 2:  Self Esteem/Friendship Building

Builds on the first session and looks at the factors that can influence self esteem, and provides children with strategies to help them to develop their self esteem.

Children look at the qualities of good friends, how to recognise someone who isn’t a good friend and investigate the importance of choosing friends carefully.

Lesson 3:  Pressure/Dealing with Dilemmas

This session encourages children to consider the different pressures we face from a variety of sources; including personal pressure, parental pressure, the media, and peer pressure.

The emphasis in this session is on peer pressure and the different types, as well as a look at how to manage difficult situations, something that is practised throughout the rest of the programme.

Lesson 4:  Tobacco

Children’s normative beliefs regarding tobacco use are assessed, and they explore different attitudes to smoking; for example, why people may choose to smoke.

They are given accurate facts and information about tobacco as well as the the effects of tobacco on the body.

Children are then introduced to a technique to guide them through the decision making process in difficult situations.

Lesson 5:  Cannabis

Children look at the importance of gathering information from reliable sources.

They are given accurate information about cannabis and its effects on the body.

Lesson 6:  Alcohol

Children’s normative beliefs regarding alcohol use are assessed, and they explore different attitudes to alcohol.

They are provided with information about the effects of alcohol on the body, including consequences to health and the legal, financial and social consequences of alcohol use.

There is the opportunity for further practice of decision making, and managing different situations.

Lesson 7:  Volatile Substances

Children are provided with facts about the effects of volatile substances on the body, including consequences to health.

Again there is the opportunity for decision making practice.

Lesson 8:  Celebrating our Differences/Managing Disagreements/Bullying

This session explores ways to manage disagreements appropriately and considers the consequences of inappropriate behaviour, on self and others.

Bullying is discussed, with a look at why people may choose to bully, how people feel if they are bullied, and where to go for help if they or someone they know is being bullied.

Lesson 9:  Anti-Social Behaviour/DARE Report

As a follow up to bullying, this session focuses on anti social behaviour, and its consequences within the school and local community.

The children are then asked to review the DARE programme and to write a DARE ‘report’ about what they have gained from the programme.

Lesson 10:  Review

There is the opportunity to reflect on the learning experience and prepare for the graduation ceremony.

Lesson 11:  Graduation Ceremony

The children put on a graduation event to celebrate what they have learnt.

Parents/carers are encouraged to attend.