Home Office and Department of Health research shows that drug use amongst young people continues to rise. 1 in 12 of all 12 year olds surveyed had taken illegal drugs in the past year and by the age of 7 most children have tasted alcohol.
A key objective of the ‘Every Child Matters’ Be Healthy outcome is to choose not to take drugs. The main objective of ‘Know Your Mind’ is to encourage young people not to start using drugs by exploring myths around drug use and by providing appropriate information. Today more than ever, with access to illegal drugs being easier (by the age of 11, 15% of young people have been offered one or more illegal drug) and the pressure to take them greater, a young person’s awareness of the realities of drug use is essential to achieving these goals.
‘Know Your Mind’ for 8 to 11 year olds explores the themes of awareness and personal responsibility for decision making. There is an emphasis on understanding the role drugs can play in our lives. We look at the effects and risks of a wide variety of substances both legal and illegal, ranging from the simple paracetamol tablet or cough medicine right through to alcohol and heroin. These risks are placed in the school context by highlighting the peer pressure that young people might face in relation to drugs and examining the related school rules. We also look at the dangers of smoking tobacco and handling discarded syringes and needles. This show provides young people with vital information about where they can go for further help and information. A parent or teacher may not always appear the easiest option; confidential advice is also available from other sources.
This 35-minute piece has been adapted from the original secondary production. The main structure of the narrative revolves around the tale of ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’. Charlie Bucket from East London wins a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore DJ Groovemaker’s drug laboratory by finding one of the lucky golden flyers. As Charlie and her fellow winners (Mikalia Divvy and Veruka Spoilt) travel through the lab, they discover facts about drugs in relation to history, culture, health, the media, peer pressure, attitudes and young people. This dramatic and musical journey brings us Beyonce Knowles; a scene from ‘Titanic’, and special drug related versions of The Weakest Link and Pop Idol.
‘Know Your Mind’ is accompanied by a resource pack for teachers which contains ideas for lessons that can be undertaken in class in preparation for Chain Reaction’s visit, ideas for follow up work, age-appropriate information about individual drugs key for this age group and contacts for further information and confidential advice. The pack is designed in line with the National Curriculum, Every Child Matters and the National Drug Strategy.
