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This programme is designed to enable children and young people to avoid illegal drugs, to make sensible choices about their use of alcohol and other drugs and to seek help when needed.
DARE promotes positive support and communication between students, police, school, family and community.
Check out the DARE New Zealand web site: http://www.dare.org.nz
Background
DARE New Zealand is a comprehensive drug abuse prevention strategy initiated by the DARE Foundation of New Zealand and the New Zealand Police Youth Education Service. DARE is one of the themes of the Youth Education Service curriculum, which has as its prime concern the welfare, health, safety and security of young people.
All programmes used in New Zealand are indigenous to this country. New Zealand teachers, health educators and police education officers have developed them.
Drug Definition
DARE New Zealand adopts the following definition of drugs.
"A drug can be defined as any chemical substance which alters the way a person's body or mind works. This does not include food, air and liquid which our bodies need to work properly.
Almost everyone takes some drugs. A lot of people depend on taking drugs to keep healthy, but drugs can be harmful if misused. Because misusing drugs can be harmful, laws have been passed restricting their manufacture, distribution and use."
The above definition is based on material from The Centre for Education and Information on Drugs and Alcohol, New South Wales, Australia.
DARE New Zealand's Philosophy on Drugs
The DARE Foundation and Police believe all people should respect the legal restrictions on drugs. Drugs that do not have legal restrictions should also be used in ways that are safe and healthy. If these principles are not respected then drug use can lead to abuse, resulting in social impairment, dependency and physical and psychological harm.
The Health and Physical Education Curriculum encourages the investigation and practise of 'strategies and safety procedures to minimise and/or manage risk situations' such as those associated with drugs. The DARE Foundation of New Zealand endorses this approach.
The DARE Programmes
It is important that people get age appropriate drug education and social skill development throughout their lives. To facilitate this, six DARE programmes have been developed jointly by Police and the DARE Foundation. A person may experience some, or all, of these programmes during their life.
Dare to make a Choice
Two drug education programmes have been designed for Years 5-6 and Years 7-8.
The programme prepares young people to make responsible choices and
decisions about the use of drugs and gives them the skills to implement
these.
Delivered by police education officers and teachers.
Tena Kowhiria
A drug education programme in Te Reo Maori for Years 7-8.
The programme prepares young people to make responsible choices and decisions about the use of drugs and gives them the skills to implement these.
Delivered by teachers and police officers.
Dare to be You
A personal change programme for young people experiencing difficulties in their lives. It encourages young people to think about their behaviour and make positive personal change.
Delivered by community facilitators.
Dare to Support Your Kids
A programme for parents and caregivers, whose children are going through Dare to be You or Tēnā Kōwhiria. Parents and caregivers will learn skills to help them support their young people as they begin to make important decisions about their use of drugs.
Delivered by community facilitators.
DARE Reducing the Harm
For secondary schools.
A seven step Action Plan designed to assist schools minimise the harm
from illicit drug use. It includes material for teachers, parents and
caregivers, and students.
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