Alcohol Interventions in Secondary and Further Education

Alcohol use during the teenage years is related to a wide range of health and social problems. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has developed new guidelines to help schools and colleges when teaching their pupils about the risks associated with alcohol.

The guide, which is designed for local authorities, teachers healthcare practitioners, parents, and other professionals working with young people, aims to help people: 

• know how to adapt alcohol education to pupils of different ages and abilities, including those with special educational needs and disabilities
• use the most effective approaches and teaching materials
• understand their safeguarding responsibilities
• have good links with other local services (such as young people’s drugs and alcohol services)
• know how to refer pupils for specialist help.

This guideline includes recommendations on:

• planning alcohol education
• delivering universal alcohol education
• targeted interventions