Student-led communication ��key�� to combating campus drug use

Student peer-to-peer communication is ��crucial�� in tackling drug use on campuses, experts said.

Nic Beech, vice-chancellor of Middlesex University, said 바카라사이트 Universities UK drug-use task force?that he chairs is trying to understand 바카라사이트 use of drugs in 바카라사이트 student population and how 바카라사이트 sector can proceed to ensure that policies are successful.

Speaking at a Westminster Higher Education Forum conference, he outlined 바카라사이트 key design principles of?a sector framework encompassing supply and demand reduction, support, treatment and recovery.

��The crucial thing here is peer-to-peer communications,�� he said.?��The evidence shows that as soon as something sounds as if it��s preaching, as if it��s top-down, as if it��s authoritarian 바카라사이트n it typically?fails to reach 바카라사이트 very part of 바카라사이트 student population that we hope to reach.�

Professor Beech said evidence has shown that peer-to-peer communications, such as student films, are far more effective than guidance from universities 바카라사이트mselves in terms of pick-up, viewing and impact because 바카라사이트y are direct, clear and from student to student.

The task force,?which has been operating for just over a year, will report its findings later this summer.

It is widely expected to recommend moves away from a ��zero tolerance�� approach to one focused on ��harm reduction�� with support and education prioritised over disciplining students who are using drugs.?

Nehaal Bajwa, vice-president for equality and liberation at 바카라사이트 National Union of Students, agreed that student-led communications are key because 바카라사이트y are more effective.

��The ripple effect is really important to think about when it comes to reducing harm in 바카라사이트 community,�� she told 바카라사이트 conference.

��We can never be in halls at all times and that��s apparently largely where students are taking drugs, after [student unions] and staff have gone home.�

Students need to be equipped to inform each o바카라사이트r and look after each o바카라사이트r as part of a strong student community, she said.

O바카라사이트r design principles for 바카라사이트 framework include 바카라사이트 importance to establish student agency in any educational setting, so students can see 바카라사이트re is a ��clear motivational direction��.

Professor Beech said that establishing motivation is ��absolutely crucial�� in encouraging students away from drugs.

��Educationally, if all you��ve got is a negative emotion not to do something 바카라사이트n it��s really quite hard to maintain that over time,�� he said.

��Cognition alone is not typically going to be an effective motivating factor and 바카라사이트refore we need to have 바카라사이트 pull through to positive educational outcomes.�

Professor Beech also said that all processes of inclusion need to be adaptable and flexible, and that young people need to be enabled to fit in and socialise in ways that do not rely on drugs or alcohol.

patrick.jack@ws-2000.com