Lesson Overview
| Duration | 45 minutes |
|---|
| Key Stage | KS2 (Years 3-6) |
|---|
| Subject Links | PSHE, Citizenship, SMSC |
|---|
| Resources Needed | Pupil handouts, Quiz, Presentation slides |
|---|
Learning Objectives
- Understand the difference between medicines that help us and drugs that can harm us
- Know that all drugs — including alcohol and cigarettes — can be harmful
- Recognise that we should only take medicines given by a trusted adult
- Know who to tell if someone offers them something to take
- Understand how to say 'no' confidently and feel good about it
Key Information
- Children as young as 8 have been offered drugs by older people
- Most children who are offered drugs are offered them by someone they already know
- Children who know the facts about drugs are less likely to try them
- You will never be in trouble for telling an adult someone offered you a drug
Legal Framework
- Many drugs are illegal — it is against the law to have them, share them, or sell them
- Adults who give drugs to children are committing a very serious crime
- You will not be in trouble if you tell an adult someone offered you something
Lesson Plan
5 mins Starter
What are medicines for? Discuss: paracetamol, inhalers, plasters. Establish that some substances can help and some can harm.
10 mins What Are Drugs?
Simple, age-appropriate explanation. Drugs change how your brain and body work. Some are medicines when used correctly. Some are always harmful.
10 mins Saying No
Role-play scenarios: a friend or older child offers you something to eat or drink that you don't recognise. Practise confident refusal phrases.
10 mins Body Safety
Just as we learn about body safety, our bodies also belong to us — that includes what we put into them. No one has the right to make us take anything.
10 mins Who Can Help?
Build a help network. What to say, who to tell, and that they will never be in trouble for telling.
5 mins Plenary
Pupils share their 'no' phrase and who they would tell.
⚠️ Safeguarding Considerations
- Some children may be exposed to drug use at home — respond sensitively
- Do not ask probing questions if a child discloses a parent or carer using drugs — refer to DSL
- Be alert to children who seem drowsy, confused, or have unusual smells on clothing
If a pupil makes a disclosure during this session, follow your school's safeguarding procedures and refer to your DSL immediately.
Key Messages
- Only take medicines from a trusted adult who knows what they're for
- If anyone offers you something to take and you don't know what it is — say no and tell an adult
- Your body belongs to you — you never have to take anything you don't want to
- You will never be in trouble for telling
Support Resources
| Organisation | Contact | Purpose |
|---|
| Childline | 0800 1111 | 24/7 support for young people |
| Crimestoppers | 0800 555 111 | 100% anonymous reporting |
| CEOP | ceop.police.uk | Report online exploitation |
| NSPCC | 0808 800 5000 | Child protection advice |
| Emergency | 999 | Immediate danger |