Computer-Based Prevention Program Increased Drug Knowledge and Reduced Cannabis Use in Girls | Research

The takeaway

An online Climate Schools program for psychostimulant and cannabis prevention increased drug knowledge, decreased pro-drug attitudes, and reduced cannabis use frequency specifically in females.

Read this if you want to know about computer-based drug prevention for teens.

Cannabis use frequency reduced specifically in females who received the program

What the researchers found

Among 1,734 Year 10 students (mean age 15.4) across 21 Australian schools, the computer-based Climate Schools program increased knowledge of cannabis and psychostimulants and decreased pro-drug attitudes compared to usual drug education.

The program subdued ecstasy uptake and plateaued use frequency in the short term, though no effects on meth/amphetamine use were found. Students' intentions to use meth/amphetamine and ecstasy in the future decreased, but these effects did not last over time.

A notable sex-specific finding emerged: females who received the program used cannabis significantly less frequently than female controls. Both teachers and students reported enjoying the program and finding it feasible to implement.

Why it matters

This study extends the Climate Schools model (previously validated for alcohol) to cannabis and psychostimulants. The computer-based delivery ensures consistent implementation quality and is scalable across school systems.

The numbers in context

1,734 students from 21 schools. Mean age 15.4. Increased knowledge and decreased pro-drug attitudes. Reduced ecstasy uptake. Reduced cannabis frequency in females. Decreased future use intentions for meth/amphetamine and ecstasy (not sustained).

How the study worked

A cluster randomized controlled trial with 1,734 Year 10 students from 21 Australian secondary schools. Schools were randomized to receive either six computer-based Climate Schools lessons or usual health classes. Outcomes were assessed at pre-test, post-test, and follow-up.

What this study cannot tell us

Cannabis use effects were limited to females. Effects on future use intentions did not persist over time. The study was conducted in Australian schools and may not generalize to other contexts. The follow-up period was not long enough to assess lasting behavioral change.

How to read the evidence

This is a cluster RCT with adequate sample size, but the cannabis effect was limited to females and some effects were not sustained.

When this study was published

Published in 2014. Climate Schools has been further developed and tested since.

The bigger picture

The harm-minimisation approach used by Climate Schools provides realistic drug information rather than abstinence-only messaging. The program's scalability through computer delivery and its acceptability among both teachers and students make it a practical option for school-based prevention.

Questions still open

Why did the program reduce cannabis use in females but not males? Would a booster session help maintain the intention effects? Can the program be adapted for different cultural contexts?

Common questions

What is harm minimisation?

Rather than demanding abstinence, harm minimisation approaches provide accurate information about drug risks and teach strategies to reduce harm if drugs are used. This evidence-based approach is particularly effective with adolescents who may be more receptive to realistic messaging.

How does the computer-based delivery work?

Students complete interactive online modules featuring cartoon storylines that deliver drug education content. This format ensures consistent delivery regardless of teacher comfort with the topic and is engaging for students.

Read the original research

A universal harm-minimisation approach to preventing psychostimulant and cannabis use in adolescents: a cluster randomised controlled trial.

Substance abuse treatment, prevention, and policy, 9, 24

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Vogl, Laura Elise; Newton, Nicola Clare; Champion, Katrina Elizabeth; Teesson, Maree. (2014). A universal harm-minimisation approach to preventing psychostimulant and cannabis use in adolescents: a cluster randomised controlled trial.. Substance abuse treatment, prevention, and policy, 9, 24. https://doi.org/10.1186/1747-597X-9-24