Alcohol Awareness - Teacher Handbook KS2

Lesson Overview

Duration	45 minutes
Key Stage	KS2 (Years 3-6)
Subject Links	PSHE, Citizenship, SMSC
Resources Needed	Pupil handouts, Quiz, Presentation slides

Understand that alcohol is a drug that changes how the brain and body work
Know that alcohol is not safe for children even in small amounts
Recognise alcohol-related advertising and understand it doesn't show the full picture
Know who to tell if they feel pressured to drink or see an adult who is very drunk
Feel confident saying no to alcohol

Alcohol is a drug — it affects the brain and body
Drinking alcohol is illegal for children under 18 in most situations
Children's bodies and brains are harmed by alcohol much more quickly than adults
Most children do not drink — despite what adverts and TV might suggest

It is illegal for anyone under 18 to buy alcohol
It is illegal for an adult to buy alcohol for a child under 18 to drink in a public place
Parents can give their own children a small amount of alcohol at home from age 5 — but this can still be harmful

What do pupils see on TV about alcohol? What impression does it give? Collect responses.

Explain alcohol as a drug. What does it do to the brain? Simple explanation appropriate to age.

Show two perspectives: how alcohol is marketed vs what it actually does to a child's body and brain. Discuss the difference.

Practise refusal strategies. What do you say if someone offers you a sip? What do you do if an adult near you is very drunk and behaving badly?

Who can a child talk to if they're worried about an adult's drinking? Signpost Childline and trusted adults.

Each child writes one thing they learned and one thing they would do if offered alcohol.

Some children may live with a parent or carer who drinks heavily — respond with sensitivity and no judgment
If a child discloses a parent who is frequently drunk and unable to care for them, this is a safeguarding matter
Watch for children who become upset during this session — check in privately afterwards

If a pupil makes a disclosure during this session, follow your school's safeguarding procedures and refer to your DSL immediately.