Written question asked by Tobias Ellwood (Conservative) on Monday, 4 February 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 7 February 2008. It was answered by Baroness Hughes of Stretford (Labour) on Thursday, 7 February 2008 on behalf of the Department for Children, Schools and Families.

Health Education: Alcoholic Drinks

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what plans he has to issue guidance to schools on raising awareness among pupils of the risks associated with alcohol.

Answer: The Government are committed to reducing substance misuse among young people, including that relating to alcohol. Alcohol education is delivered alongside that on drugs and volatile substances and is a vital element of our approach. The Department issued its ““Drugs: Guidance for Schools”” to all maintained schools in February 2004. This makes clear our intention for pupils to be educated about alcohol and its effects in primary school—before drinking patterns become established—and for this to be revisited in secondary school as pupils' understanding and experience increases.We are, however, clear of the need to be sure that alcohol education in schools is robust, accurate and effective. As part of the Children's Plan we have given a commitment to examine the effectiveness of current delivery arrangements for all drugs education—including alcohol—and act to strengthen them if necessary.

Secondary information