The Future of Education

Experimentation with alcohol and drugs is a rite of passage for many young people around the world. In Australia, as in many countries, education about legal and illicit substances is compulsory for students from the age of 10 to 15. However, we know that school education, promotional campaigns, and numerous resources have a limited effect on the decisions young people make. Recent survey results indicate a substantial increase in substance use among young women in Australia (AIHW a, b, c, 2024). Despite trends like this, educators and information professionals rarely consult young people about their views on and learning about substance use. The research project Adolescents’ Recreational Substance Use and Epistemic Well-Being was conducted to address this gap. The study examined young people’s experiences in their peer groups, as well as their opinions and attitudes toward substance use, and learning both in and outside of school. We conducted a survey and organised focus groups to discuss these issues with young women from Year 9 to recent high school graduates (aged 14 to 21) in an independent school in Sydney, aiming to understand their experiences with substances in peer groups, information behaviours, and their opinions and attitudes toward substance use and learning. We considered the results through the lens of epistemic well-being – learning to live a better life – to formulate effective approaches to support young people in making safe choices. The study's insights offer valuable guidance for schools and other information providers to enhance their educational strategies around substance use, ultimately improving adolescents' epistemic well-being and decision-making abilities.