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2021 - Teen Substance Use: Prevention and Harm Reduction in the Formative Years

02 September 2021 by Dr Matthew Hill

On Monday 31 August there were approximately 150 logins from parents and the community to our special webinar with USYD academics and experts Dr Katrina Champion and Dr Lauren Gardener. The two researchers from the Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance use presented  current statistics about prevalence of substance use amongst different age teenagers and what the research says are the key factors influencing teen substance use. The data revealed that parent attitudes, rules and communication is the number one factor affecting first use, and current use of substances amongst teens. They also provided well-researched and well-established guidelines for rules and communication strategies for parents.

Following the presentation Dr Matthew Hill, Barker Institute Director, presented questions from the audience in discussion with the two special guests.

Resources for parents and teachers:

  1. www.positivechoices.org.au
  2. Teen Substance Use – PowerPoint slides with speakers’ contact details

Event recording for parent viewing
(You need to be logged in with a Barker account to view this recording)

About the Author : Dr Matthew Hill

Dr Matthew Hill is the Director of The Barker Institute with a focus on professional learning, research, and innovation in the school.  He teaches Physics and the new Science Extension course at the School which introduces students to scientific academic research. Matthew's doctorate reflects his passion for science education focussing on Representational Fluency amongst physics students at school and university. He has published in leadership, education, and science journals and been involved in course development and teaching at The University of Sydney and The University of Western Sydney. He has also completed a Graduate Diploma in Divinity at Ridley College in Melbourne.