Alcohol is an extremely strong psycho-active drug which has the potential to be highly addictive. Appropriate use of alcohol is a legitimate source of pleasure for many adults. Inappropriate use of alcohol (too much, too often, or at too young an age) is associated with a range of risk-taking, anti-social and dysfunctional behaviours, from theft and joyriding to inadequate parenting, relationships problems and family violence.

Many children grow up in a culture of acceptance of alcohol misuse.

Average weekly consumption amongst 11 - 15 year old drinkers in 2001 was 9.8 units, a 100% increase over 1990 levels. GLUG challenges the thinking and behaviours which underpin the perception of alcohol as harmless.

ALCOHOL CONCERN says :

Drinking is on the increase amongst pre-teen and young-teen children..... A national strategy must place the emphasis on early education and prevention instead of sweeping up the mess caused by alcohol misuse.

GLUG challenges, questions, educates and entertains by providing multiple pathways to visit and revisit issues. GLUG includes detailed discussion suggestions and creative task guidelines to aid the development of cross-curricular work.

GLUG has been developed to support all those who work with primary school children:

Teachers

PSE Co-ordinators

Parents, Governors and non-teaching staff

Health Promotion Specialists

Drug Action Teams

GLUG materials are also suitable for Lower KS3 (Yr 7) . In addition, a selection of bright and creative pre-skilling poems, and songs are suitable for Yr 2 (KS 1).

Full Teacher Support Notes are in Book 4 and in the introduction to Books 1 - 3.

GLUG has been developed over a five-year period of Health and Education Partnership.