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<p>Alcohol or drug dependence is rare in young people under the age of 18 years old,
although they may be drinking problematically. The most effective and sustainable
approach to reducing alcohol and drug harms in young people is by giving them the
best start in life, the best education possible, and keeping them safe, well, and
happy.</p><p>Statutory guidance on relationships, sex, and health education requires
all primary and secondary school pupils to be taught the key facts and risks of alcohol
and drug use, as well as how to manage influences and pressure, and keep themselves
healthy and safe. The Department has worked with the PSHE Association to develop the
lesson plans on alcohol and is currently commissioning an update of the resources,
to be published later this year. Current resources are available at the following
link:</p><p><a href="https://pshe-association.org.uk/drugeducation" target="_blank">https://pshe-association.org.uk/drugeducation</a></p><p>Through
the cross-Government Drug Strategy, the Department has allocated £532 million of additional
funding through to 2024/25, to support improvements in alcohol and drug treatment,
including facilitating 5,000 more young people into age-appropriate treatment by 2024/25.
Local authorities can also invest their allocation in options from a menu of interventions,
some of which include strengthening the services available to young people and families.</p><p>The
Government also has an information and advice service called Talk to FRANK, which
aims to reduce alcohol and drug use and its harms by providing awareness to young
people, parents and concerned others:</p><p><a href="https://www.talktofrank.com/"
target="_blank">https://www.talktofrank.com/</a></p>
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