“Minister for Health Simon Harris T.D., Minister for Education and Skills Joe McHugh T.D. and Minister of State for Health Promotion and the National Drugs Strategy Catherine Byrne T.D. have today (Wednesday 27 November) launched ‘Know the Score’, a new national resource for teachers of senior cycle students aimed at guiding and supporting them to improve their knowledge and strengthen their skills in dealing with the risks associated with alcohol and drugs.

‘Know the Score’ is the first national evidence-based resource on alcohol and drugs for senior cycle students and was developed in partnership between public health and education professionals, with input from teachers and young people.

Topics addressed include building cultural awareness of attitudes towards alcohol in Ireland, the impact of alcohol on the body and the brain, the influences of alcohol branding and sponsorship and information on how to provide emergency care if they are concerned about someone who has been drinking or taking drugs. The resource also addresses cannabis use and the damage caused by alcohol and drugs to mental health.

Minister Simon Harris said: “I am delighted to launch this excellent resource which represents an important step in our public health approach towards reducing the harms from alcohol and drugs. Know the Score is a good example of the partnership working to promote the health and well-being of our young people, and to support teachers and schools in the important work they do as part of the wider Healthy Ireland agenda.

“Along with a range of other measures in the Public Health (Alcohol) Act, we are driving practical changes in our society in order to ensure that there will be no room for alcohol in Irish childhoods. It is vital that students, teachers and parents get information and supports from trusted resources like the HSE, so that our young people are enabled to develop the important life-skills they need to make healthy choices. It is not appropriate that schools use any materials or resources developed by organisations funded by the alcohol industry.”

Find more from Department of Education and Skills, HSE.ie and Drugs.ie (Ireland, November 2019)

Know the Score Substance Use Resource Materials SPHE

A very articulate and relevant discussion between @McHughJoeTD & @SimonHarrisTD with students of Rosary College Crumlin at the launch of Know The Score — Substance Abuse resource materials for senior cycle. Thanks to all the students and staff. @HealthyIreland @roinnslainte pic.twitter.com/DHog8Xlf2t

— education.ie (@Education_Ire) November 27, 2019