Sideffect’s program focuses on early intervention and education as the key to harm minimisation. This education needs to talk directly to the students and include engaging content that can change behaviour – or prevent behaviour in this case. By talking to students right throughout their high school careers, we can stay in their minds if/when they are confronted with various substances. Having the knowledge means that these kids will have the choice to make an informed decision. By showing kids, not telling them, what is in the substances they are offered and what the effects can be on their own lives and the lives of their families, we empower youth to make informed decisions on anything they put into their body – and by doing so aim to reduce the harm on our youth and our communities.
Empowering our Youth
Substance use can effect out youth in a variety of ways that are obvious and some that take a longer time to develop. These effects can range from anxiety and depression to longer laster more dangerous issues. Discussing the effects of substance use is a major section of our education program and one we think that arms every student with the knowledge they need to make informed descisions.
As educators, you see these children almost daily and will have a certain ability to see the change in behaviour and spot the risk factors that come with substance use. Having that direct relationship and intervention is very powerful; our goal is to develop communication between teachers, parents and students and empower our youth to begin a discussion on substance awareness.
We want to partner with you, the teachers, to deliver our Substance Abuse Awareness program and help students see and understand the effects of substance use. While many kids think that they are invincible, our presentation uses real life stories and visual aids to help our youth understand the power of making informed decisions.
If you would like to book our One Life, One Choice Presentation or discuss other ways Sideffect can engage with your school or community please contact us!
