NCJ Number
161429
Date Published
1995
Length
66 pages
Annotation
This is an evaluation of a life skills drug education program for primary schools.
Abstract
Project CHARLIE (Chemical Abuse Resolution Lies in Education) is an attempt to influence children's attitudes and behavior concerning substance abuse by teaching them social skills and enabling them to resist peer pressure as well as informing them about drugs. Project CHARLIE incorporates the principal elements of a successful drug education program into its curriculum; however, its emphasis on self-esteem and self-awareness may be misplaced. Comparisons between primary school pupils exposed to Project CHARLIE for one year and peers who have not reveal that Project CHARLIE children: (1) have greater knowledge of the effects of medicinal, social and illicit drugs; (2) are more secure in their ability to resist peer pressure to commit antisocial acts; (3) produce both more and higher quality solutions to social dilemmas and fewer solutions of poor quality; (4) do not have substantially higher self-esteem; and (5) do not differ from their peers in attitudes towards drugs, their intentions to use drugs, or their actual use of drugs. However, illicit substance use is very uncommon in the age range (10 to 13 years) of the children studied. References, appendix (contains tables)