Schools in Melbourne’s north west will be the first play host to a global education program dedicated to reducing underage alcohol consumption.
Smashed tours schools with a live theatre performance that aims to reduce the prevalence of early alcohol use amongst students by engaging participants in a safe and motivational learning environment.
It is designed to enable young people to explore the consequences and dangers of underage drinking and supply them with the knowledge, skills and confidence to make responsible choices.
“Smashed is an important program which teaches high school students about the dangers of underage drinking and the risks of this destructive behaviour,” Australian Secondary Principals’ Association president Andrew Pierpoint said
The initiative is targeted towards year eight and nine students and has already reached more than 100,000 school kids, though organisers hope to reach 750,000 people by 2030.
Post-performance evaluation indicated that 95 per cent of students have been able to accurately identify key dangers and risks relating to underage drinking after taking part in the Smashed program.
During the pandemic, Smashed was launched as an online experience consisting of a free one-hour session that follows the same performance and interactive learning model, giving students all over the country the ability to participate.
“I encourage all schools and students to take part in the Smashed program, especially those who won’t have the opportunity to see the live performance at their school, to take part via the online program” Mr Pierpoint said.
The program is free for Australian schools and can be accessed online for rural and regional students to complete the program in their own time.
