The World of Alcohol | A Primary School Children Programme for 9-11 year olds

Increasingly it is being recognised that the time to address knowledge and attitudes in reaction to behaviour including alcohol use behaviour needs to happen before attitudes and behaviour are formalised.

Form a very early age, children and young people develop a sophisticated awareness of alcohol and drinking behaviour. Therefore as parents, teachers and health care professionals there is a need to acknowledge that most if not all children are exposed to alcohol at a relatively young age through the media, through parents and siblings use and through the general exposure to a culture that sees alcohol as the most popular drug of choice which is legal from certain ages under certain conditions

What is also evident is the need to address the issue of avoiding alcohol misuse and the personal, social and health problems that can occur if and when alcohol is used irresponsibly

The World of Alcohol programme is child centred and views children as unique individuals. It aims to not only guide children in exploring attitudes, knowledge and behaviour around alcohol but also to help them develop personal and social skills as well as empowering them to take increasing responsibility for themselves and their actions in relation to alcohol

The material comprises a programme of alcohol education for 9-11 year olds in the primary school. The purpose of the material is to provide a comprehensive approach to dealing with a sensitive area of health education that of alcohol education. It is underpinned by the following principles:

• That alcohol use is a cultural norm in current Irish society
• Abstinence is an equally valid alternative for some people and cultures
• Behaviour which avoids the misuse of alcohol should be encouraged
• Alcohol education should begin in the primary school in order to encourage healthy behaviour before most attitudes, values and behaviours, including those in relation to alcohol use, are fully conceptualised
• Alcohol education should be placed within a context of personal and social and health education and the development of life skills
• The varying attitudes and values which different cultures and societies hold about alcohol should be respected.

For more information please email the Hanly Centre