On 3 October, Education Minister Van Bijsterveldt gave the go-ahead for an e-learning module designed to flag problem substance use by students at secondary vocational schools (MBO).
The e-learning Early Identification programme is part of the Healthy School and Substances project for MBO schools. The programme provides schools with concrete ways to tackle problem alcohol and cannabis use by the students.
Within the MBO school system, substance use is commonplace. This often leads to drop-out. The percentage of youngsters attending MBO schools who use cannabis daily is larger than the general age group of 15-24 years. Furthermore, research has shown that both VMBO and MBO schools have a greater need for support, particularly in the area of substance use in relation to truancy and drop-out. And it can be difficult for many teachers and pupils to broach the subject of problem substance use and addiction among pupils. This course is intended to meet this need.
The Early Identification course for MBO is an e-learning package that consists of two parts. It is free of charge. The first part - the basic course - is for employees of MBO schools. This includes teachers, security staff and janitors. Participants receive general information about alcohol and drugs; they learn to recognise signals that may be indicative of problem alcohol or drug use; and they are given tips on how to help students take the step towards seeking treatment. The second part - the follow-up course - goes into more detail on identifying alcohol and drug problems, talking to students, making a specific referral to an addiction care organisation or organising consultation hours at school.
More information:
Marianne Maat
