Topic 1 Introduction
- The prevention of addictions in schools is based on the work on the development of different stress management techniques for children/ adolescents
- Skills building, which includes the anger management, conflict resolution and building the self-esteem
- Teachers and schools can focus on supporting parents and promoting protective factors for the prevention of addictions, rather than reducing the risk factors
- Sometimes, teachers may feel that the parents are reluctant to work with schools, and some parents, indeed may not be comfortable with this
- The successful programs use the coordinator from the community, such as active members in the community, someone well-known and trusted by the parents
- Also, if the parents are not comfortable with the school-based meetings or educations, they can be conducted on neutral grounds, like community centres, sometimes churches, mosques, or any other non-school locationsTeachers can encourage family closeness and support
- In these cases it is of high importance to explain to the parents that they are not only being thought what can be done but that their opinion and their experience is valued and they can help create and implement preventive programs
- Schools can help encourage parents to increase the effectiveness of at-home preventive efforts
- It was shown that the parents’ participation is higher if preventive programs are included as a part of the wider community or school programs such as for job training
- When involved in school activities parents can be supportive and can stay more enthusiastic