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Support for Eating Disorders and Body Image Issues | Butterfly Foundation

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Everyone’s experience of an eating disorder or body image issue is unique and access to care and support is essential.

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This is a great way as a team of teachers to divide up the "types" of games you are delivering in PE. Great termly or a timed block focus approach to improve not only the skills within the game but fundamental movement & skills

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Classification of Games & Sports in PE (1)

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https://www.rupissed.com/

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Pie Maker Stuff

Online since 1999, RUPissed? is the original blood alcohol BAC Calculator website. Over the past 20 years we have become the most popular online blood alcohol calculator with over 3,000,000 BAC calculations carried out to date for drinkers world-wide.

To use our BAC calculator, simply enter your age, gender, height and weight, what you've had to drink and and when you drank it. The blood alcohol calculator will calculate your current BAC, the amount of alcohol still in your system and how long it will take to get your blood alcohol content (BAC) back down to below 0.05%.

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Pie Maker Stuff Online since 1999, RUPissed? is the original blood alcohol BAC Calculator website. Over the past 20 years we have become the most popular online blood alcohol calculator with over 3,000,000 BAC calculations carried out to date for drinkers world-wide.

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https://online.smashedproject.org/

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Oak National Academy - UK online lessons for PSHE (RSHE)

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Oak National Academy - UK online lessons for PSHE (RSHE)

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Oak National Academy Teachers Hub | Teacher Hub | Oak National Academy

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Oak National Academy's teacher hub holds thousands of free lessons and resources covering many subjects, from Early Years Foundation Stage to Year 11.

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Teaching about Consent - New consent laws

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Teaching about Consent - New consent laws

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Sexual consent is free and voluntary

Sexual consent is when people freely and voluntarily agree to engage in sexual activity, including kissing, touching and oral sex.

It's about making sure everyone is comfortable with what's happening and freely choosing to say yes.

This means there are situations where people can't consent (even if they say yes), because they can't freely choose.

This includes if they're:

heavily affected by drugs or alcohol

unconscious or asleep

manipulated or threatened into consenting.

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Sexual consent is when people freely and voluntarily agree to engage in sexual activity, including kissing, touching and oral sex. It's about making sure everyone is comfortable with what's happening and freely choosing to say yes. This means there are situations where people can't consent (even if they say yes), because they can't freely choose.

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Respect your Brain - NSW Health - Alcohol

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Respect your Brain - NSW Health - Alcohol

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Respect your Brain - NSW Health - Cannabis

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Respect your Brain - NSW Health - Cannabis

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I won't lie to you. Growing up, I thought of sunburn and skin cancer as "white people problems".

In my defence, I very rarely burned. And back then, I thought your tendency to burn was the only thing that mattered when it came to skin cancer risk.

I don't recall ever receiving information on skin cancer or sunburn that was tailored to people of colour in school.

So it was only in the last few years that I learned sunscreen is important for people of colour, too: the Australian Cancer Council recommends everyone wear sunscreen everyday on days when the UV Index is forecast to be above three.

It's also only recently that I've learned people with "dark" skin (dermatologists tend to define this as "type four" and above on the Fitzpatrick scale) like me can develop skin cancer, even if it happens to us a lot less often than it does to people with light skin.

It was around the same time I learned research from the US has suggested that when people with dark skin are diagnosed with melanoma, they're more likely to be at a later stage of the disease.

This means they're more likely to die from it.

Sunscreen and darker skin

A common and pervasive misconception is that dark-skinned people don't need sunscreen. Here's why that's not true.

Read more

Why might people with dark skin get diagnosed with skin cancers later?

Dermatologist Shyamalar Gunatheesan puts this down to three things.

She says the first is that it's common for people with darker skin to dismiss the possibility they could develop skin cancers, like I did, because of our skin's tendency to burn less and because of the way we're taught about skin cancer.

Dr Gunatheesan says the second is that it can be common for practitioners to do the same.

And the third is that skin cancers in people with dark skin often develop in areas that aren't often - or ever - exposed to the sun, and that we don't routinely look at.

This means changes go unnoticed for longer than they might have if they'd occurred somewhere more visible.

This happens, Dr Gunatheesan says, because "not all skin cancer is sun-related".

This isn't always the case, of course.

Be a part of the ABC Everyday community by joining our Facebook group.

"With basal cell carcinomas in darker skin types, sun exposure tends to be the most common cause," fellow dermatologist Stephen Shumack explains.

"They're rare, but they do occur in "type four" skin particularly, usually in people who've worked for many years outdoors without sun protection.

"With squamous cell carcinomas in people with dark skin, the cause is predominantly related to infection with the HPV virus, and also ulcers. So somebody gets a cut, the area of skin doesn't heal over a period of years, and sometimes, as part of that non-healing process, it can develop into squamous cell carcinoma.

"This is very rare in Australia."

Then there's melanoma, which Dr Shumack says is "extremely rare" in people with dark skin.

When it does occur, it tends to be a type of melanoma called acral lentiginous melanoma and it appears in areas "where there's less pigment such as the soles of the feet and the palms of the hands".

Bob Marley famously died of an acral lentiginous melanoma in 1981. It had presented on his toe.

Dr Gunatheesan says we don't yet know exactly what causes acral lentiginous melanomas.

"We haven't mapped out all the genes of non-sun-related melanoma. The messaging is 'we don't know, it's not all sun-related'," she explains.

How often should you shower?

Jake Gyllenhaal isn't the only star to say he finds bathing "less necessary at times". So are your fave celebrities dirty or do they know what's good?

Read more

So, how and when should you be checking your dark skin for skin cancer?

The experts say you should keep an eye out for new or changing moles or spots on your skin, paying particular attention to changes in tenderness, growth or other odd symptoms.

It's likely most people will be familiar with this advice. Where does the message diverge for people with dark skin?

"The biggest message for people with darker skin types is that it's not just the typical sun-exposed areas for us," Dr Gunatheesan says.

She recommends a monthly skin check using a mirror, looking at places including your bum, groin, hairline, nails, the soles of your feet and the palms of your hands, and the backs of your ears and neck.

For the harder to reach spots, she suggests asking a partner or friend for help.

"You can also ask your hairdresser to help check your scalp," Dr Gunatheesan says.

With your nails, she explains you should be looking out for streaks of darker pigmentation.

"People with darker skin do get melanomas that present as little streaks and you'll want to see a dermatologist if that happens. They can be benign, but if they change and extend wider out to your skin away from your nail, that would be a warning sign," she says.

"And if you get a non-healing spot on any part of your body, if you get a flaky lesion that doesn't go away - these are also all little clues. If you have an ulcer that isn't healing, see a practitioner."

What beauty treatments can you do at home? What should you leave to the pros?

At-home beauty treatments can be great. But how do you know when you're out of your depth?

Read more

'Low risk doesn't mean no risk'

Basically, the overwhelming message is to get things checked if anything out of the ordinary or concerning crops up, on all parts of your body.

"Low-risk does not mean no risk," says Heather Walker, the chair of Cancer Council's National Skin Cancer Committee.

"Get to know your skin and what's normal for you ... if you notice anything new, unusual or changing, go to the GP."

"Particularly with people with 'type four' skin, it might be worth talking with your GP about what your risk would be," Dr Shumack adds.

"People with white skin don't tend to feel strange about going to their GP and asking to see a dermatologist for a skin check. Part of it is about empowering people with darker skin to look at their skin and then interact with their GP and dermatologist," Dr Gunatheesan continues.

"We should all be vigilant."
This is general information only. For personal advice, you should see a qualified medical practitioner.
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As a kid I had no idea I could get skin cancer. Here's how people with dark skin should check their skin - ABC Everyday

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You might have thought of sunburn and skin cancer as "white people problems" growing up - I know I did. Skin cancers may be far rarer for people with dark skin, but they still occur. So here's how to check your skin.

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Okay, so straight up, this is not a rant-we're just presenting the facts about what's really in vape juice.

What's a vape, e-cig, e-hookah, mod or juul?

E-cigarettes are electronic devices that heat a liquid (vape juice, e-liquid, e-juice) to produce a vapour that looks a lot like smoke, which users inhale.

Many of these liquids come flavoured in fruit, mint, menthol, candy, and other flavours (which unfortunately makes them appeal to children and young people).

Who uses vapes?

Increasingly, younger people.

Although e-cigarettes have been around for a decade or so, the designs have become smaller, slicker, and more aggressively targeted at young people through social media, and they have quickly become a popular and addictive product.

Research indicates that in 2017, 16 per cent of Queensland secondary students aged 12-17 years had used e-cigarettes, compared to 11 per cent in 2014.

Male students (20 per cent) aged 12-17 years were twice as likely as female students (11 per cent) to have ever used e-cigarettes in 2017.

People who have never smoked a tobacco cigarette before their first e-cigarette are 3 times more likely to take-up tobacco cigarettes later in life.

Experts have expressed serious concerns over nicotine exposure, brain development and smoking initiation in young folk.

So, what's in those vape juices?

First up, some legal stuff. Some vape liquids can contain nicotine. E-cigarettes that contain nicotine are illegal in Queensland.

Nicotine is a poisonous and highly addictive chemical that some plants developed to stop animals and insects eating them. It was widely used as a natural insecticide to kill pests. Just saying.

There is also no way to verify what's in vape liquids purchased online from overseas. Many of them contain nicotine even if they're labelled 'nicotine-free'.

Most vape juices contain some of the following:

propylene glycol - a common food additive

vegetable glycerine or glycerol - also food additives

in some cases, water

other chemicals (including those used to create flavours).

The first three ingredients are usually harmless when eaten, but their effects when inhaled as an aerosol are currently unknown.

Vapes-especially those bought online from overseas-also can contain unspecified and uncontrolled amounts of other substances, some of which are known to be really harmful, particularly when inhaled, such as:

diacetyl - used in popcorn flavourings for its buttery taste. It can cause 'Popcorn Lung' (bronchiolitis obliterans) if inhaled in large concentrations.

diethylene glycol - a toxic chemical used in antifreeze that is linked to lung disease

lead, tin, nickel - heavy metals

cadmium - a toxic metal that causes breathing problems and disease

acetylaldehyde and formaldehyde - cancer-causing chemicals

acrolein - a weed killer that can cause irreversible lung damage and cancer

benzene - a volatile organic compound found in car exhausts that is cancer causing and causes harm to bone marrow, reducing red blood cell numbers and leading to anemia.

Some chemicals in e-cigarette aerosols can also cause DNA damage

ultra-small particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs

Additionally, when the vape juice is heated to turn it into an aerosol, more toxic chemicals are formed.

Other vape liquids can contain:

Other safety concerns

Electronic cigarettes may:

deliver unreliable doses of nicotine

leak their contents

be a poisoning risk, particularly for children (One teaspoon of commercially available liquid nicotine can cause irreversible damage or death to a child)

not list the presence and/or actual strength of nicotine on the product label

contain other unknown, possibly toxic chemicals

have incorrect or inconsistent labelling and unsafe packaging

encourage the uptake of smoking

have no child safety measures, and

be unsafe to use during pregnancy.

All the above dot points taken together make quite the list.

If you or someone you know is addicted to nicotine and needs help, you can contact Quitline on 13 78 48, or visit the Quit HQ website: https://quithq.initiatives.qld.gov.au/quit-support/quitline/get-help-from-quitline/

If you need more information about vaping products, what's in them, the laws, and the health effects, see:

Subscribe to the Queensland Health email newsletter

Want to get more health updates, tips and news delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up to our newsletter!

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Okay, so straight up, this is not a rant-we're just presenting the facts about what's really in vape juice. E-cigarettes are electronic devices that heat a liquid (vape juice, e-liquid, e-juice) to produce a vapour that looks a lot like smoke, which users inhale.

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With all the talk about consent and respect ... or a lack of it ... how can you promote positive masculinity in your classroom?

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With all the talk about consent and respect ... or a lack of it ... how can you promote positive masculinity in your classroom?

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ACHPER Blog

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How can you promote positive masculinity in your classroom? - ACHPER NSW

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Having a values focus in Health and PE lessons allows students to practice key life skills and encourages the development of positive characteristics such as empathy, compassion, care, and respect. These values counter the aspects of toxic masculinity, such as toughness and apathy which can prevent young men from feeling and expressing emotion in a healthy way.

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No, it’s not just a lack of control that makes Australians overweight. Here’s what’s driving our unhealthy food habits

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No, it’s not just a lack of control that makes Australians overweight. Here’s what’s driving our unhealthy food habits

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Links to a research article

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Analysing the food environment - new digital tool - ACHPER NSW

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Gary Sacks, Deakin University and Sally Schultz, Deakin University Public health experts have long argued that when it comes to preventing obesity, we need to stop blaming individuals. Our new online tool, released today, confirms we live in an environment where the odds of having a healthy diet are heavily stacked against us.

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Fact Sheet

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Vaping and Young People - For Educators | Lung Foundation Australia

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This resource is designed to fill the knowledge gap around vaping and e-cigarettes, to provide current research and information, and to empower schools and educators to inform and protect young people from potential harm. This resource caters specifically to teachers, educators and anyone working with young people to supply, evidence-based information on vaping, its health, safety and legal issues, and how it directly impacts lung health.

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The whole-of-school approach to respectful relationships education

Schools are mini communities that play a central role in teaching young people what gender-based violence looks like and how it can be prevented.

Respectful relationships education is about taking a whole of school approach to primary prevention for the benefit of everyone in your school community.

See more tools and resources to support respectful relationships education in primary and secondary schools

Tools and resources

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Education Home | Respectful Relationships Education

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Schools are mini communities that play a central role in teaching young people what gender-based violence looks like and how it can be prevented. Respectful relationships education is about taking a whole of school approach to primary prevention for the benefit of everyone in your school community. Tools and resources

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Australian Drug Foundation

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Drug Facts - Alcohol and Drug Foundation

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Easy to find information about categories, the effects of drugs and specific drugs. Includes description, short and long-term alcohol and drug effects and measures to reduce harms.

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Alcohol and Drug Foundation

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What CAN you do to minimise risk whilst driving

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Wait for it... this could save your life | @SummerBreak 4

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Impact of Tik Tok algorithm

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Avani Dias, Jeanavive McGregor, Lauren Day

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Lauren got TikTok for a laugh. The app would change the direction of her life

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Beyond the dances and skits there’s a darker side to TikTok. The app’s algorithm is exposing users to dangerous content while controlling which people and political movements get attention.

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Australian Alcohol Guidelines

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New alcohol guidelines have been released to help reduce the risk of alcohol harm and improve the health of Australians. The guidelines were developed by the  National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), our leading expert body in health and medical research. The  NHMRC uses a rigorous process  to develop and review the guidelines, which includes an independent expert review and stakeholder consultation.

The new guidelines

While there's no safe level of drinking, the guidelines provide a framework for how to stay healthy and protect yourself and your family from alcohol harm.

The guidelines recommend that:

to reduce the risk of harm from alcohol-related disease or injury for healthy men and women, drink no more than 10 standard drinks per week and no more than 4 standard drinks on any one day. anyone under 18 should not drink alcohol to reduce the risk of injury and harm to the developing brain.

women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not drink alcohol to prevent harm to their baby.

Standard drinks

It can be difficult to keep track of how much alcohol you're consuming because different types of drinks contain different amounts of alcohol and come in different sizes.

A standard drink might be less than you think. For example, a bottle of beer or a glass of wine is often more than a 'standard drink'. An Australian standard drink contains 10g of alcohol (12.5ml of pure alcohol). One standard drink is 285ml of full-strength beer, a 100ml glass of wine, or 30ml of spirits.

Tracking how many standard drinks you're consuming can help you follow the guidelines so you can stay as healthy as possible.

Spirits 40% alcohol, 30ml nip

Wine 13% alcohol, 100ml average serving

Sparkling wine 13% alcohol, 100ml

Full strength beer 4.9% alcohol, 285ml glass

Light beer 2.7% alcohol, 425ml glass

Cider 4.9% alcohol, 285ml glass

Check out the Drinking Calculator to find out how your drinking measures up.

Information for parents

Guidelines for children and teens under 18

The NHMRC guidelines state that children and teens under 18 should not drink any alcohol. Drinking alcohol can impact brain development up until the age of 25 years - affecting their attention, memory and decision-making.

There are also concerns that early use of alcohol and other drugs by a young person can increase the likelihood of dependence (addiction) and harm in the future.
Preventing or delaying young people using alcohol or other drugs

Having open conversations about alcohol and other drugs is an important part of preparing a young person for situations where they may be around alcohol and other drugs. You can start this conversation from as early as eight years old, to give them the right information and attitudes before they go to high school.
The Other Talk Tips for talking to young people
Even though it might seem like they don't listen to a word you say, your kids are watching what you do. Parents play a significant and powerful role in shaping their child's beliefs and attitudes about alcohol, through their role-modelling.

Whether you're drinking frequently, or having fun and attending social gatherings without always relying on alcohol, watching their parents' behaviour can shape a young person's understanding of the role alcohol may, or may not, play in their life.
Parents as role models

How were the guidelines developed?

The guidelines were developed by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), the leading expert body in health and medical research in Australia.

The NHMRC uses a rigorous process to develop and review guidelines, which includes an independent expert review and a period of public consultation for stakeholders.

The ADF received funding from the Australian Government Department of Health.

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New alcohol guidelines Australia - Alcohol and Drug Foundation

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New alcohol guidelines have been released to help reduce the risk of alcohol harm and improve the health of Australians. The guidelines were developed by the  National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), our leading expert body in health and medical research.

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Easy to use, relatable, health education programs that empower positive young minds by helping you have the conversations that matter

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Recent statistics published by Headspace show around eight children and young people die by suicide each week in Australia. According to the Australian Institute of Family Studies around one in ten self-harm during their teenage years. This loss of life means that the topic is too important not to talk about, but parents and teachers are often concerned that talking about suicide or self-harm may put ideas in young, impressionable minds. These resources have been created specifically with this concern in mind.

As teachers, you have a unique relationship with young people and are often among the first people to notice when young people are going through a tough time emotionally. When you purchase Suicide and Self Harm Talk, you'll receive an easy to follow, grab and go, classroom ready comprehensive Health program. The supporting material has been written by

HPE Teachers, in line with the National and State HPE Curriculums and each program includes all the material you need to deliver well thought out and effective lessons. Including detailed teachers resources, lesson plans, activities and supporting videos presented by kids, for kids.

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Suicide & Self Harm Talk | Talk Revolution

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Recent statistics published by Headspace show around eight children and young people die by suicide each week in Australia. According to the Australian Institute of Family Studies around one in ten self-harm during their teenage years.

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Easy to use, relatable, health education programs that empower positive young minds by helping you have the conversations that matter

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Research shows that schools are likely to have LGBTIQA+ students, even though they are not always visible and school is the place where most homophobic and transphobic bullying takes place. Which is exactly why we need to address this topic with young people. The topics explored in these activities may prompt students to approach you to talk about their

own feelings of same sex attraction, gender identity or intersex status. This is a positive step for a young person and reflects the fact that you have been open and accepting in your teaching practice.

​

When you purchase Sexuality Talk, you'll receive an easy to follow, grab and go, classroom ready comprehensive Health program. The supporting material has been written by HPE Teachers, in line with the National and State HPE Curriculums and each program includes all the material you need to deliver well thought out and effective lessons. Including detailed

teachers resources, lesson plans, activities and supporting videos presented by kids, for kids.

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Research shows that schools are likely to have LGBTIQA+ students, even though they are not always visible and school is the place where most homophobic and transphobic bullying takes place. Which is exactly why we need to address this topic with young people.

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Easy to use, relatable, health education programs that empower positive young minds by helping you have the conversations that matter

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Avoiding talking about sex only teaches young people to feel uncomfortable about it and think that it's a taboo subject they shouldn't have conversations about. Most students are curious and want to know. Most students have access to Google and know much more than we think they do. Quality sex education lessons like Talk Revolution provide

them with accurate information and the right language to ask questions of trusted adults, rather than going online or taking advice from their peers.

When you purchase Sex Talk, you'll receive an easy to follow, grab and go, classroom ready comprehensive Health program. The supporting material has been written by HPE Teachers, in line with the National and State HPE Curriculums and each program includes all the material you need to deliver well thought out and effective lessons. Including detailed teachers resources, lesson plans, activities and supporting videos presented by kids, for kids.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Avoiding talking about sex only teaches young people to feel uncomfortable about it and think that it's a taboo subject they shouldn't have conversations about. Most students are curious and want to know. Most students have access to Google and know much more than we think they do.

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Easy to use, relatable, health education programs that empower positive young minds by helping you have the conversations that matter

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Periods shouldn't be shameful or taboo. In fact, if they didn't exist, neither would we. Use this program to normalise the conversation around menstruation and open your kids' minds to the power of the menstrual cycle.

When you purchase Period Talk, you'll receive an easy to follow, grab and go, classroom ready comprehensive Health program. The supporting material has been written by HPE Teachers, in line with the National and State HPE Curriculums and each program includes all the material you need to deliver well thought out and effective lessons. Including detailed teachers resources, lesson plans, activities and supporting videos presented by kids, for kids.

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Periods shouldn't be shameful or taboo. In fact, if they didn't exist, neither would we. Use this program to normalise the conversation around menstruation and open your kids' minds to the power of the menstrual cycle. When you purchase Period Talk, you'll receive an easy to follow, grab and go, classroom ready comprehensive Health program.

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Easy to use, relatable, health education programs that empower positive young minds by helping you have the conversations that matter

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Before any teaching about family or gender-based violence can begin, a climate of trust is essential if students are to discuss their opinions and beliefs openly. Engaging in activities to develop trust and build communication and cooperation is a necessary prerequisite for your class before engaging in these activities. These resources will help you to do exactly that.

When you purchase Gender Based Violence Talk, you'll receive an easy to follow, grab and go, classroom ready comprehensive Health program. The supporting material has been written by HPE Teachers, in line with the National and State HPE Curriculums and each program includes all the material you need to deliver well thought out and effective lessons. Including detailed teachers resources, lesson plans, activities and supporting videos presented by kids, for kids.

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Gender Based Violence Talk | Talk Revolution

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Before any teaching about family or gender-based violence can begin, a climate of trust is essential if students are to discuss their opinions and beliefs openly. Engaging in activities to develop trust and build communication and cooperation is a necessary prerequisite for your class before engaging in these activities.

# data[].attributes.body
Easy to use, relatable, health education programs that empower positive young minds by helping you have the conversations that matter

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
This is a particularly difficult topic to teach and one of the biggest silent killers affecting our young people at the moment. Alarmingly, research conducted with young people in 2010 on behalf of the NEDC indicated that 51.3% of 12-17 year olds agreed that a person with an eating disorder should 'snap out of it, there are more important things in life to worry about'.

An eating disorder is a mental illness and needs to be treated as such. We desperately need to change the way we're talking to our kids about this topic and create a safe and supportive community within schools for kids to feel comfortable to talk about it whether for themselves or to support a friend.

When you purchase Eating Disorder Talk, you'll receive an easy to follow, grab and go, classroom ready comprehensive Health program. The supporting material has been written by HPE Teachers, in line with the National and State HPE Curriculums and each program includes all the material you need to deliver well thought out and effective lessons. Including detailed teachers resources, lesson plans, activities and supporting videos presented by kids, for kids.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This is a particularly difficult topic to teach and one of the biggest silent killers affecting our young people at the moment. Alarmingly, research conducted with young people in 2010 on behalf of the NEDC indicated that 51.3% of 12-17 year olds agreed that a person with an eating disorder should 'snap out of it, there are more important things in life to worry about'.

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Easy to use, relatable, health education programs that empower positive young minds by helping you have the conversations that matter

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
It is important that when talking about drug use with young people that we reflect the reality of the statistics and use accurate, evidence-based information to inform our teaching. We need to frame our conversations from the point of view that most students are not currently using drugs and are not at-risk of becoming drug users.

When you purchase Drug Talk, you'll receive an easy to follow, grab and go, classroom ready comprehensive Health program. The supporting material has been written by HPE Teachers, in line with the National and State HPE Curriculums and each program includes all the material you need to deliver well thought out and effective lessons.

Including detailed teachers resources, lesson plans, activities and supporting videos presented by kids, for kids.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
It is important that when talking about drug use with young people that we reflect the reality of the statistics and use accurate, evidence-based information to inform our teaching. We need to frame our conversations from the point of view that most students are not currently using drugs and are not at-risk of becoming drug users.

# data[].attributes.body
Easy to use, relatable, health education programs that empower positive young minds by helping you have the conversations that matter

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Research findings show that drinking alcohol during the teenage years can disrupt healthy brain development. The human brain is still developing even as young people move into their 20's. These resources encourage young people to avoid drinking for as long as possible through open and honest conversation. Starting to drink at an earlier age also places young people at greater risk of developing alcohol-related problems later in life.

​

When you purchase Alcohol Talk, you'll receive an easy to follow, grab and go, classroom ready comprehensive Health program. The supporting material has been written by HPE Teachers, in line with the National and State HPE Curriculums and each program includes all the material you need to deliver well thought out and effective lessons. Including detailed teachers resources, lesson plans, activities and supporting videos presented by kids, for kids.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Research findings show that drinking alcohol during the teenage years can disrupt healthy brain development. The human brain is still developing even as young people move into their 20's. These resources encourage young people to avoid drinking for as long as possible through open and honest conversation.

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What does my headscarf say about me? TED Talk

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Yassmin Abdel-Magied: What does my headscarf mean to you?

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What do you think when you look at this speaker? Well, think again. (And then again.) In this funny, honest, empathetic talk, Yassmin Abdel-Magied challenges us to look beyond our initial perceptions, and to open doors to new ways of supporting others.

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Surf Lifesaving Australia

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Surf Life Saving Foundation Fundraising Activities

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Education resources for schools teachers and students - ABC Education

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ABC Education has 5000+ educational games, videos and teaching resources for schools and students. Free Primary and Secondary resources covering history, science, English, maths and more

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Girls - Make your move

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Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care

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Girls Make Your Move is about inspiring, energising and empowering young women to be more active regardless of ethnicity, size or ability.

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This girl can

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The rise of women in cricket

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The growing profile of elite women's cricket and the commitment of grassroots programs has led to 60 per cent of new cricket players being female, according to the National Cricket Census.

The hugely successful Australian Women's Cricket Team has helped ensure the women's game is receiving the attention it deserves and Commonwealth Bank research shows 47 per cent of Aussies are more interested in women's sport than they were a year ago.

The growing popularity for the sport, as well as grassroots cricket club programs, has meant more young girls are now taking up the sport than boys, with 6 in every 10 new participants being female 1.

This figure is anticipated to continue to grow as the majority of Aussies (70 per cent) agree increased TV coverage will inspire more women to continue or take up competitive sport 2.

Monique Macleod, Chief Marketing Officer at Commonwealth Bank, says, "It's fantastic to see the increase in participation amongst junior girls. Women's sport is stepping into the limelight, and now with more broadcast support and hard-working grassroots programs, it is getting the full attention and uptake it deserves.

"We've been working with Cricket Australia to grow the women's game for the last 20 years. Through initiatives such as the Growing Cricket For Girls Fund and our ongoing sponsorship of grassroots cricket clubs, we're serious about creating opportunities for young players at all levels."

Australian Women's Cricket Team all-rounder and CommBank Ambassador, Ellyse Perry, says, "It's been incredible to see the growth of women's sport over the last few years, and having the opportunity to play on such a large stage on Saturday night at North Sydney Oval is another major milestone. It's inspiring to see so many young girls taking up the sport and I hope that, with more exposure to the game, a whole new generation of Aussies will continue to grow our game and have the chance to achieve their goals and aspirations."

This year marks 20 years of Commonwealth Bank's support of women's cricket. To commemorate the milestone, 100 grassroots young cricket players and their families will fill the grandstands at the opening women's T20 International game against New Zealand. This kicks off a series of activity happening throughout the summer, celebrating CommBank's support of women's cricket.

You can watch the new campaign, '20 Not Out' starring young female cricket players from local clubs:
Important information References
1 National Cricket Census 2017-18

2 The Commonwealth Bank research was commissioned by Commonwealth Bank and undertaken by independent research company, ACA Research. The survey was conducted during December 2017 with 1,027 Australian respondents over the age of 18. The sample was drawn to be nationally representative by age, gender and location, based on the latest ABS population statistics.
About CommBank's partnership with Cricket Australia:
From grassroots to elite female, Indigenous and all-abilities, CommBank's partnership with Cricket Australia is designed to make cricket inclusive and accessible for all. CommBank has sponsored the Australian Women's Cricket Team and the women's development squad for 20 years and during the 2017-2018 season, sponsorship funding will also go towards:

helping Australia's national disability teams get access to the same high-performance support other elite representative cricket teams receive;

enabling Australia's Indigenous women's and men's squads to tour England in 2018 to commemorate the renowned all-Aboriginal team tour of England in 1868;

bolstering the Growing Cricket for Girls fund by $1 million; and

supporting an enhanced, high-definition outdoor broadcast experience of the first-ever day night Women's Ashes Test.

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Cricket reaches fever pitch for Aussie girls

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The growing profile of elite women's cricket and the commitment of grassroots programs has led to 60 per cent of new cricket players being female, according to the National Cricket Census.

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Equal pay in surfing

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Women's sport

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There is no longer a place for the sub-category known as "women's sport". There is just sport. It belongs to all. It's what everyone plays. What has traditionally been divided into buckets should become mainstream. Everyone should feel welcome, worthy and equal. Given that no sport is gender-exclusive, why do we continue to call it "women's sport"?

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ABC - You can't ask that - Eating disorders

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ABC - You can't ask that - Eating disorders

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Ensure you view this before showing it to students for appropriateness of content/language

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Asking the most outrageous and uncomfortable questions to uncover the truth behind what it's like for marginalised and misunderstood Australians.

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Puberty, STIs, Relationships

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Body Talk – body, relationship and sexual health info for young people

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Body Talk - info for young people about the body, puberty, relationships and sexual health including STIs and contraception.

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Media Messages

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Body changes, menstruation, Social and emotional changes

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The advice provided in this material is general in nature and is not intended as medical advice. If you need medical advice, please consult your health care professional.

®/™ Trademarks of Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. or its affiliates. © KCWW

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The advice provided in this material is general in nature and is not intended as medical advice. If you need medical advice, please consult your health care professional. ®/™ Trademarks of Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. or its affiliates. © KCWW

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What's Puberty?

Puberty (say: PYOO-ber-tee) is the name for the time when your body begins to develop and change as you move from kid to adult. We're talking about stuff like girls developing breasts and boys starting to look more like men.

It helps to know about the changes that puberty causes before they happen. That way, you know what to expect. It's also important to remember that everybody goes through these changes. No two people are exactly alike, but one thing everyone has in common is that we all go through puberty.

When Does Puberty Start?

Usually, puberty starts between ages 8 and 13 in girls and ages 9 and 15 in boys. This wide range in ages may help explain why some of your friends still look like young kids while others look more like adults.

What Changes Does Puberty Bring?

When your body is ready to begin puberty, your pituitary (say: pih-TOO-uh-ter-ee) gland, a pea-shaped gland located at the bottom of your brain, releases special hormones. Depending on whether you're a boy or a girl, these hormones go to work on different parts of the body.

For boys, the hormones travel through the blood and tell the testes (say: TES-teez), the two egg-shaped glands in the scrotum (the sac that hangs under the penis), to begin making testosterone (say: tess-TAHS-tuh-rone) and sperm. Testosterone is the hormone that causes most of the changes in a boy's body during puberty, and men need sperm to be able to reproduce (be the father of a baby).

In girls, these hormones target the two ovaries (say: OH-vuh-reez), which contain eggs that have been in the girl's body since she was born. The hormones cause the ovaries to start making another hormone, called estrogen. Together, these hormones prepare a girl's body to start her periods and be able to become pregnant someday.

Boys and girls both begin to grow hair under their arms and their pubic areas (on and around the genitals). It starts out looking light and thin. Then, as kids go through puberty, it becomes longer, thicker, heavier, curlier, and darker. Eventually, boys also start to grow hair on their faces.

What's a Growth Spurt?

A spurt is a short burst of activity or something that happens in a hurry. And a growth spurt is just that: Your body is growing and it's happening really fast!

When you go through puberty, it might seem like your sleeves are always getting shorter and your pants are creeping up your legs. That's because you're having a growth spurt that lasts for about 2 to 3 years. When that growth spurt is at its peak, some kids grow 4 or more inches (10 or more centimeters) in a year! At the end of your growth spurt, you'll have reached your adult height - or just about.

With all this quick growth, it can seem like one part of your body - your feet, for instance - are growing faster than everything else. This can make you feel clumsy or awkward. This is normal too! The rest of your body will eventually fill out and shape up, and you'll feel less klutzy.

With all this growing and developing going on, some kids may be uncomfortable with how their bodies are changing, but it's unhealthy to diet to try to stop any normal weight gain. If you have any questions about puberty or are worried about your height or weight, talk to your parent or doctor.

How Does Body Shape Change During Puberty?

Your body also fills out and changes shape during puberty. A boy's shoulders will grow wider and his body will become more muscular. He may notice a bit of breast growth on his chest. Don't worry, this is normal - and it goes away for most boys by the end of puberty.

In addition, boys' voices crack and eventually become deeper, their penises grow longer and wider, and their testes get bigger. These changes mean that their bodies are developing as they should during puberty.

Girls' bodies usually become curvier. Their hips get wider and their breasts develop, starting with just a little swelling under the nipples. Sometimes one breast grows more quickly than the other, but most of the time they even out. Girls may start wearing bras around this time, especially if they are involved in sports or exercise classes.

Girls might wonder: When will I get my first period? This usually happens about 2 years after her breasts start to develop. The menstrual (say: MEN-strul) period, or monthly cycle, is when blood is leaves the body through the vagina. That may sound alarming, but it's normal and it signals that a girl is growing up and her body is preparing so that she can have a baby someday.

Skin Changes During Puberty

Another thing that may come with puberty is acne (say: AK-nee) - or pimples - caused by all those hormones at work in the body.

To help control pimples, wash your face twice a day with warm water and a mild soap or cleanser. Don't squeeze, pick, or pop your pimples. Your doctor can also offer suggestions for clearing up acne. The good news is that acne usually gets a lot better as you get older.

Putting the P.U. in Puberty

P.U.! A lot of kids notice that they have a new smell under their arms and in other places when they hit puberty - and it's not a pretty one. That smell is body odor (you may have heard people call it B.O.) and everyone gets it.

As you enter puberty, the puberty hormones stimulate the glands in your skin, including the sweat glands under your arms. When sweat and bacteria on your skin get together, it can smell pretty bad.

So what can you do to feel less stinky? Well, keeping clean can stop you from smelling. You might want to take a shower every day, either in the morning before school or at night before bed. Showering after you've been playing sports or exercising is also a good idea.

Another way to cut down on body odor is to use deodorant. If you use a deodorant with antiperspirant, it will cut down on sweat too.

There's More?

Boys and girls will also notice other body changes as they enter puberty. Girls sometimes might see and feel white or clear stuff coming from the vagina. This doesn't mean anything is wrong - it's called vaginal discharge and is just another sign hormones are changing your body.

Boys will begin to get erections (this is when the penis fills with blood and becomes hard). Sometimes erections happen when boys think about sexual things or they can happen for no reason at all. Boys also may have something called nocturnal emissions (or wet dreams). This is when the penis becomes erect when a boy is sleeping and he ejaculates. When a boy ejaculates, semen - the fluid that contains sperm - comes out of the penis. That's why they're called wet dreams - they happen when you're sleeping and your underwear or the bed might be a little wet when you wake up. Wet dreams happen less often as boys move through puberty and they eventually stop.

Emotional Changes During Puberty

Just as those hormones change the way your body looks on the outside, they also create changes on the inside. During puberty, you might feel confused or have strong emotions that you've never had before. You might feel overly sensitive or become upset easily.

Some kids lose their tempers more often and get angry with their friends or families. You also may feel anxious about how your changing body looks.

Sometimes it can be hard to deal with all these new emotions. It's important to know that while your body is adjusting to the new hormones, so is your mind. Try to remember that people usually aren't trying to hurt your feelings or upset you on purpose. It might not be your family or friends - it might be your new "puberty brain" trying to adjust.

You might also have sexual feelings that you've never felt before. And you will probably have lots of questions about these new, confusing feelings about sex.

It's easy to feel embarrassed or nervous when talking about sex. It's important to get your questions answered, but you need to be sure you have all the right information. Some kids can talk to their parents about sex and get all their questions answered. But if you feel funny talking to your parents about sex, there are other people you can talk to, like your doctor, a school nurse, a teacher, a school counselor, or another trusted adult you feel comfortable talking with.

What if I'm Developing Differently?

People are all a little different from each other, so it makes sense that they don't all develop in the same way. During puberty, everyone changes at their own pace.

A few kids who are developing very early or who are very late in starting might have a problem that needs to be checked or treated. If you're worried, talk with your parents and schedule a visit with your doctor. Your doctor knows all about puberty and can see if you're developing normally.

Eventually, most differences between you and your friends will even out. Until then, hang in there. Puberty can be quite a wild ride!

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Voice cracking? Clothes don't fit? Puberty can be a confusing time, but learning about it doesn't have to be. Read all about it in this article for kids.

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Adjusting to the many changes that happen around puberty can be difficult for both parents and young people.

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Reproduction

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Mind Matters Australia - Adolescent Development

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Mind Matters Australia - Adolescent Development

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Ensure you view this before showing it to students for appropriateness of content/language

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Asking outrageous, uncomfortable and shocking questions to uncover the truth behind some of the most marginalised and misunderstood Australians.

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Ensure you view this before showing it to students for appropriateness of content/language

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Asking outrageous, uncomfortable and shocking questions to uncover the truth behind some of the most marginalised and misunderstood Australians.

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Ensure you view this before showing it to students for appropriateness of content/language

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You Can’t Ask That: Series 1 Transgender

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Mark Transgender Awareness Week (13-19 November) by revisiting this insightful, irreverent, moving and unpredictable episode that sets the record straight about what it’s really like to be transgender.

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Domestic Violence

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'What I See' - A Domestic Violence Short Film

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Love Control is a groundbreaking film produced by Women's Health In the North. It draws directly from young women's experiences of abusive relationships and shows how quickly controlling behaviour can escalate into full blown violence

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Sexually Transmitted Infections

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In the past sexually transmissible infections (STI) have been called sexually transmissible diseases (STDs) or venereal disease (VD). They are terms that are now less commonly used. An STI is any infection which is passed from one person to another person during sexual activity. Sexual activity can include oral, vaginal and anal sex.

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Safe sex no regrets

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Consent and sex

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Going out with someone or being in a relationship can make you feel many different things - happiness, nervousness, excitement and love. Sometimes it can also be confusing, especially when it comes to intimacy and sex. Intimacy is when two people become physically, sexually and/or emotionally close.

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Sexual Health

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Everything you need to know about safe sex, condoms, STI treatment and testing. And Nurse Nettie is here to answer your sexual health questions.

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Wear It Purple strives to foster supportive, safe, empowering and inclusive environments for rainbow young people.

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Wear it Purple strives to foster supportive, safe, empowering and inclusive environments for rainbow young people.

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Electronic cigarettes - or e-cigarettes - are clouded in misconceptions.

Many people mistakenly think that vaping is just breathing in flavoured air, or that the danger of smoking is eliminated when tobacco is out of the equation. These are common misconceptions, and ones that perpetuate the belief that e-cigarettes are a safe option.

There are actually many known harms that arise from e-cigarettes, and some of the most vulnerable in our society - unborn babies, children and young people - are at greatest risk of harm.

This makes the statistics on e-cigarette use in Australia even more alarming. The most recent data indicates that the age group with the highest percentage ever using e-cigarettes was 18-24 year olds. Across nearly all age groups, e-cigarette use is on the rise.

At this point in time, there is insufficient evidence to support claims that e-cigarettes are safe. Australia's National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) states that further research is needed to assess the long-term safety, quality and efficacy of e-cigarettes. And the evidence we have shows that e-cigarettes can, and do, cause harm.

What are e-cigarettes?

E-cigarettes are a smoking product. Using e-cigarettes to smoke is commonly known as vaping.

E-cigarettes are known by many names including electronic cigarettes, e-cigars, e-cigs, e-hookahs, mods, vape pens, vapes, tank systems, and personal vapourisers. They may look like regular cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, while others resemble pens, USB sticks, and other everyday items.

Most include a battery, a heating element, and a cartridge or refillable tank that holds liquid. The liquid used in e-cigarettes varies widely. It may contain a range of substances including propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine, liquid nicotine, food-grade flavouring and distilled water.

E-cigarettes work by heating the liquid to create a vapour (also known as an aerosol). This aerosol is drawn into the lungs, and exhaled into the environment, where it can also be breathed in by bystanders.

What's in vaping liquid?

While e-cigarettes don't contain tobacco, they may still contain many of the same toxic and cancer-causing chemicals found in regular cigarettes. This includes the highly addictive chemical nicotine, heavy metals, ultrafine particles, volatile organic compounds, and some flavouring chemicals that can be harmful to health.

It's difficult for consumers to know exactly what's in their e-cigarettes - for example, nicotine has been found in e-cigarette liquids claiming to be nicotine-free. Other ingredients that may be acceptable for use in foods could be harmful when inhaled as a vapour.

Are e-cigarettes less harmful than regular cigarettes?

E-cigarettes may contain fewer toxic chemicals than regular cigarettes, but they are still dangerous. E-cigarettes contain a range of harmful and potentially harmful substances. They are not regarded as safe, especially for children, teenagers, young adults, and pregnant women.

Health effects and safety concerns of e-cigarettes

Nicotine harms developing brains.
E-cigarettes can provide high doses of nicotine, which is classified as a dangerous poison. Research shows that nicotine exposure can have significant negative impacts on brain development. For teens, babies, and foetuses - whose brains are still developing - nicotine can lead to lifelong consequences.

Developing brains are more vulnerable to addiction, and nicotine exposure can lead to craving for more of the drug. Nicotine can negatively impact mood, memory, and concentration, and may make it harder for children and young people to learn, concentrate, and control their impulses. These changes can be permanent.

E-cigarettes may encourage smoking.
The less dangerous smoking seems to teens, the more likely they are to do it. E-cigarettes are often colourful and creatively designed, and they come in countless flavours like bubble gum, cherry, and cinnamon (which mask the harsh chemical taste of e-cigarette liquid). These factors contribute to the risk of e-cigarettes glamourising smoking and acting as a gateway product for young people. E-cigarettes send the wrong message that smoking is fun and not harmful.

E-cigarettes are a poisoning risk, especially to younger children.
One teaspoon of commercially available liquid nicotine can cause irreversible damage or death to a child. Liquid nicotine vials are often easy to squeeze and can lack tamper-proof packaging, increasing the risk of children ingesting the poison. 'Fun' packaging designs may also increase the appeal to small children.

If you think all of this is unlikely, think again - toddlers have died in Australia and around the world from liquid nicotine ingestion.

Liquid nicotine can be dangerous for adults too. It can be absorbed through the skin in a matter of minutes and can lead to poisoning and serious injury.

E-cigarette batteries can explode, leading to serious injuries.
The batteries in e-cigarettes can overheat, catch fire, or explode. Over 200 cases have been reported in the UK and US, and in some cases, it has lead to serious injury and disability.

You don't know what you're getting.
A lack of proper labelling can lead to people unwittingly ingesting harmful substances. Substances may be listed as ingredients, but their concentrations could be omitted. Alarmingly, nicotine has been found in many refill liquids available in Australia, despite being promoted as nicotine-free.

E-cigarettes and the law

E-cigarettes are subject to the same laws as tobacco or cigarettes. This means they cannot be:

used in no-smoking places

sold to children under 18 years of age

advertised, promoted, or displayed at retail outlets

provided for sale via vending machines.

They are not approved as an aid to quit smoking in Australia.

Electronic cigarettes that contain liquid nicotine are illegal in Queensland and cannot be commercially supplied.

The bottom line

E-cigarettes are not harmless. If you've never smoked before, don't start.

Remember, it's never too late to quit smoking - it's a decision that can benefit you at any point in your life. Start or continue your quit journey with the help of the Quit HQ website and the Quitline (13 7848) telephone service.

If you think a child or someone may have been poisoned, don't wait for symptoms to occur. If the person has collapsed or is not breathing, call Triple Zero (000) and ask for an ambulance. Once the ambulance is on its way, call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26. Don't try to make the person vomit unless Poisons Information Centre or a doctor recommend it.

Subscribe to the Queensland Health email newsletter

Want to get more health updates, tips and news delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up to our newsletter!

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The known harms of e-cigarettes and vaping

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Electronic cigarettes - or e-cigarettes - are clouded in misconceptions. Many people mistakenly think that vaping is just breathing in flavoured air, or that the danger of smoking is eliminated when tobacco is out of the equation. These are common misconceptions, and ones that perpetuate the belief that e-cigarettes are a safe option.

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Ted Talk

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Additional resources:

No matter how it's delivered, nicotine is harmful for youth and young adults. E-cigarettes typically contain nicotine as well as other chemicals that are known to damage health. For example, users risk exposing their respiratory systems to potentially harmful chemicals in e-cigarettes.

Watch these recommended TED-Ed Lessons and TED Talks:
How do cigarettes affect the body?
Cigarettes aren't good for us. That's hardly news -- we've known about the dangers of smoking for decades. But how exactly do cigarettes harm us, and can our bodies recover if we stop? Krishna Sudhir details what happens when we smoke -- and when we quit.

How do the lungs work?
When you breathe, you transport oxygen to the body's cells to keep them working, while also clearing your system of the carbon dioxide that this work generates. How do we accomplish this crucial and complex task without even thinking about it? Emma Bryce takes us into the lungs to investigate how they help keep us alive.

How does asthma work?
More than 300 million people around the world suffer from asthma, and around 250,000 people die from it each year. But why do people get asthma, and how can this disease be deadly? Christopher E. Gaw describes the main symptoms and treatments of asthma.

The mysterious workings of the adolescent brain
Why do teenagers seem so much more impulsive, so much less self-aware than grown-ups? Cognitive neuroscientist Sarah-Jayne Blakemore compares the prefrontal cortex in adolescents to that of adults, to show us how typically "teenage" behavior is caused by the growing and developing brain.

How risk-taking changes a teenager's brain
Why do teenagers sometimes make outrageous, risky choices? Do they suddenly become reckless, or are they just going through a natural phase? To find out, Kashfia Rahman -- winner of the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (and a Harvard freshman) -- designed and conducted an experiment to test how high school students respond to and get used to risk, and how it changes their still-developing brains. What she discovered about risk and decision-making could change how we think about why teens do what they do.

A simple way to break a bad habit
Can we break bad habits by being more curious about them? Psychiatrist Judson Brewer studies the relationship between mindfulness and addiction -- from smoking to overeating to all those other things we do even though we know they're bad for us. Learn more about the mechanism of habit development and discover a simple but profound tactic that might help you beat your next urge to smoke, snack or check a text while driving.

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What you should know about vaping and e-cigarettes - Suchitra Krishnan-Sarin

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E-cigarettes and vapes have exploded in popularity in the last decade, especially among youth and young adults- from 2011 to 2015, e-cigarette use among high school students in the US increased by 900%. Biobehavioral scientist Suchitra Krishnan-Sarin explains what you're actually inhaling when you vape (hint: it's definitely not water vapor) and explores the disturbing marketing tactics being used to target kids.

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NSW Health Department finds not all e-juices are as nicotine free as they claim

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NSW Health Department finds not all e-juices are as nicotine free as they claim

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ABC Article

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Not all e-juices are as nicotine free as they claim, study finds

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The effectiveness of Australia's vaping laws is being thrown into question with data showing illegal nicotine is making its way into retail stores.

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Vaping study shows e-cigarettes more harmful than thought

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Vaping study shows e-cigarettes more harmful than thought

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News article - Triple J (ABC)

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Vapour from e-cigarettes could harm lung cells and the effects could be similar to those seen in cigarette smokers, according to a new study.

E-cigarettes are devices that heat a cartridge of liquid nicotine into a vapor. It is widely agreed they are likely to be less harmful than smoking cigarettes and are often used as an aid to quit smoking.

Research led by the University of Birmingham and published in the journal Thorax shows that vaporised e-liquid disables key protective cells in the lungs.

These protective cells, called alveolar macrophages, engulf and remove dust, bacteria, and allergens that have entered the lungs.

This does not mean e-cigarettes are as dangerous as cigarettes, but it suggests e-cigarettes may be more harmful than we think.

Co-author Professor David Thickett said further studies were needed.

"It has been suggested electronic cigarettes are safer than traditional cigarettes, and this narrative is increasingly supported by tobacco companies that have established research institutes devoted to generating supportive data," he said.

"E-cigarette users have been given advice based on relatively little information.

"We hope that by disseminating this data as widely as possible the public can at least make an informed choice; the public must be aware these devices are not harmless."

Vaping could damage vital immune system cells: Researchers

In the study, researchers extracted alveolar macrophage cells from lung tissue. They exposed a third of these to plain e-cigarette fluid, a third to different strengths of the artificially vaped condensate with and without nicotine, and a third were exposed to nothing for 24 hours.

The results showed that the condensate was significantly more harmful to the cells than e-cigarette fluid and that these effects worsened as the 'dose' increased.

Exposure to the condensate increased cell death and boosted production of oxygen free radicals 50-fold and significantly increased the production of inflammatory chemicals.

The commercial supply of nicotine for use in e-cigarettes remained prohibited in Australia under state and territory legislation.

In October last year, Health Minister Greg Hunt said he would never lift the ban on e-cigarettes despite an ongoing Senate inquiry into their use.

In March this year, that inquiry recommended the National Health and Medical Council fund an independent review of the available evidence of the health impacts of vaping and e-cigarette liquids, as well as a review of the regulations around the world.

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Vaping study shows e-cigarettes more harmful than thought

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Vapour from e-cigarettes could harm lung cells and the effects could be similar to those seen in cigarette smokers, according to a new study. E-cigarettes are devices that heat a cartridge of liquid nicotine into a vapor. It is widely agreed they are likely to be less harmful than smoking cigarettes and are often used as an aid to quit smoking.

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Vaping laws, smoking and regulation

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As 148 health organisations sign an open letter calling on governments to work towards phasing out commercial cigarette sales, New Zealand has released a draft tobacco action proposal to help the country become smoke-free.

What can Australia do to address smoking rates and the rise in vaping? And will new vaping laws wean people off the habit or send users back to cigarettes?
Guests:
Dr Michelle Jongenelis, Senior Research Fellow, School of Psychological Sciences, Melbourne University

Associate Professor Coral Gartner, School of Public Health, The University of Queensland

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As 148 health organisations sign an open letter calling on governments to work towards phasing out commercial cigarette sales, New Zealand has released a draft tobacco action proposal to help the country become smoke-free. What can Australia do to address smoking rates and the rise in vaping?

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Lesson activities

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As an educator, you can play an active role in fighting the teen vaping epidemic. FDA research suggests that when teachers talk about the health consequences of e-cigarettes and schools enforce anti-vaping policies, students may be less likely to vape. Use these resources to start an honest conversation with your class and help to change social norms at your school.

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As an educator, you can play an active role in fighting the teen vaping epidemic. FDA research suggests that when teachers talk about the health consequences of e-cigarettes and schools enforce anti-vaping policies, students may be less likely to vape. Use these resources to start an honest conversation with your class and help to change social norms at your school.

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Resources for teachers

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Vaping (the use of electronic cigarettes, e-cigarettes or 'vapes') has become a growing issue for many schools across the country. As part of the 'Vaping and schools: What do teachers need to know?' webinar, DARTA has developed a number of resources for teachers that may assist them in dealing with the topic.

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Australian Government Department of Health

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National Drug Strategy

The National Drug Strategy aims to reduce and prevent harm caused by drugs. Six sub-strategies focus on specific issues such as alcohol, ice, tobacco, and workforce development.

Did you know?

9 million

Australians over the age of 14 have used illicit drugs in their lifetime

The top 4

illegal drugs used are cannabis, ecstasy, cocaine and hallucinogens

1 in 2

Australians think ice (methamphetamines) is the most serious drug of concern

Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare - National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2019

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Drugs are substances, other than food or water, that alter the way the body functions, physically or mentally. Most are used to treat medical conditions and are prescribed by a doctor, but some are illegal. Drugs can be dangerous. Find help to reduce your drug use or support someone close to you.

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Have we seen a reduction in the use of illicit drugs as a result of spending on law enforcement?

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Have we seen a reduction in the use of illicit drugs as a result of spending on law enforcement?

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World view

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July 31, 2017 The Noffs Team

- Updated 19 February 2019

Law enforcement has played a central role in global drug policy for the past 50 years. Governments of developed and developing nations alike have devoted large sections of their budgets to policing drug use and supply, resulting in an increased use of punitive sanctions and a rapid rise in rates of incarceration [1]. The UK-based NGO Transform Drug Policy Foundation estimates the global law enforcement costs for illicit drugs at over US$100 billion annually [2]. Is all this money having an impact on the people and issues that should be central to drug policy debates - those using drugs, and the potential consequences: drug-related harms and crime? Whilst black-market drug production, trade and use, like most illicit activities, are difficult to measure accurately, available long-term data indicates that worldwide drug law enforcement expenditure has done little to counter the negative consequences of drug use and trade [3]. The overall aim of the war on drugs has been to ultimately eliminate the use and availability of illicit drugs, but the opposite is occurring and, in the face of the billions spent annually to counter drug markets, these markets have expanded and drug use has risen [4]. In other words, this has not been money well spent.

This article will examine the total expenditure on drug law enforcement undertaken by a sample of western democratic nations - specifically the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom - in comparison to rates of drug use, related crime, and related harms.

US

The United States has spent $1 trillion on the war on drugs since 1971, and federal spending on drug control in the US is currently estimated at $15 billion annually [5]. Of this figure, roughly 50% is spent on domestic law enforcement. The federal government has prioritised spending and grants for drug task forces and widespread drug interdiction efforts that often target low-level drug dealing [6]. Despite this, a World Health Organisation survey showed the US remains the number one nation in the world in illegal drug use [7], ranking higher than countries with less restrictive drug laws, and that drug use has remained stable or even increased for most drugs [8]. In 2013, approximately 24.6 million Americans, or 9.4% of the population, had used an illicit drug in the previous month - an increase from 8.3% in 2002 [9].

Australia

It is difficult to determine the exact amount Australian governments spend on drug law enforcement, given that it is often absorbed into the wider category of crime expenditure [10]. However, the approximate amount is determined at $1.7 billion annually on illicit drug policy, with over 60% ($1.1 million) allocated to law enforcement [11]. Despite the economic efforts of governments, annual use of illicit drugs has remained unchanged between 2004 and 2013, at about 15% [12]. This is despite rising arrests rates for illicit drugs such as cannabis and ecstasy. In the period 2011-12, there were 93,148 arrests for prohibited drugs, the highest reported for that past decade [13]. 61,011 (65%) of these arrests were for cannabis. According to the most recent National Drug Strategy Household Survey however, cannabis remains the most frequently used illicit drug in Australia. This would appear to indicate that cannabis users are not deterred by high arrest rates. Between 2006 and 2015, arrest rates for ecstasy use in NSW increased from 710 to 3,039 [14], while Australia continues to rank among the highest in terms of ecstasy users per country [15].

An increase in regular and dependent crystal methamphetamine use in Australia has also been recorded by several studies [16,17].

Total law enforcement expenditure costs UK governments 16 billion pounds annually [18,19].

Despite this, there is no indication it is helping to reduce illicit drug use. In 2014, the number of adults using illicit drugs in England and Wales increased by approximately 230,000 to 2.7 million [20]. Lifetime illicit drug use is increasing, with the proportion of Britons who had ever taken an illegal drug increasing from 27% in 2008 to 31% in 2015 [21]. There are still about 2,000 drug-related deaths in the UK annually [22]. Recent figures for past year drug use, while lower than a decade ago, has been stable since 2009 [23].

Collateral damage

Illicit drug misuse can cause huge social and economic problems. Drug-related crime, violence, healthcare costs, unemployment and family deterioration are just some of the issues affecting communities. However, attempts to alleviate those problems by way of punitive drug law enforcement can often exacerbate them instead.

Economic toll

The collateral damage of illicit drug misuse and dependency are the related health and social consequences, including hospitalisation, crime and social dysfunction. This comes at significant cost to communities. Drug-related incidents are estimated to cost $11 billion annually in the US [24]. This includes two million emergency room visits recorded in 2009. Illicit drugs cost Australian taxpayers approximately $8.2 billion annually [25], and 15 billion pounds a year in the UK [26].

Social problems

Illicit drug misuse and dependency cause a number of social problems in communities, including family deterioration. In the UK, opiate and crack cocaine use rates have remained near constant since 2004, and there are 335,000 children living with a parent dependent on opiates and/or crack cocaine [27]. Over 27,000 children in Australia live with an adult using methamphetamine at least monthly [28]. 2.7 million children in the US have at least one parent incarcerated, and substantial portion of those are for drug law violations [29]. Evidence suggests these children are likely to have poorer health and educational outcomes, and experience family-related violence [30].

Crime is another social problem closely linked to illicit drug misuse. As previously mentioned, dependent methamphetamine use is increasing in Australia. The close link between dependent crystal methamphetamine use, violent crime and property crime could see a logical increase in these types of crime as dependent use increases [31]. Past estimates show drug-related crime accounts for about 88% of the economic and social costs to the UK government and taxpayers [32]. The year 2014 saw more than 1.5 million drug arrests in the US, with 80% for possession only [33]. The number of people imprisoned for drug offences has risen dramatically in the last 40 years, from approximately 38,000 to more than 500,000 [34]. One US study found significant percentages (30-49%) of surveyed inmates who had committed robbery or prostitution offences reported doing so to obtain money for drugs [35]. Drug-related crime rates and law enforcement attempts to quell them can disproportionately affect minority communities. People of colour in the US are more likely to be stopped, searched, arrested and convicted of a drug-related offence [36]. African-Americans comprise 13% of the US population, but 31% of those arrested for drug offences and 40% of those incarcerated for them. Similarly, 17% of the US population is Hispanic, but they are similarly overrepresented in the criminal justice system, comprising 47% of all federal court cases for drug offences, and 37% of drug offenders in the federal corrections system [37]. A criminal record in the United States denies an individual many rights and freedoms, including the right to vote, child custody, employment, and public housing [38]. This creates further social problems through the entrenchment of certain groups as "second class citizens".

Drug-related fatalities

Evidence shows law enforcement is having little impact on the number of drug related fatalities. In the US, national figures portray a steady increase in all drug related deaths between 2002 and 2015 [39], but the rate of drug-related deaths involving heroin nearly quadrupled, from 0.7 per 100,000 in 2000 to 2.7 per 10,000 in 2013 [40]. The increase has been particularly rapid since 2010. Accidental deaths involving crystal methamphetamine ("ice") have increased significantly in Australia, from 88 deaths in 2010 to 170 in 2013 [41]. This coincides with a sharp rise in ice use amongst people who inject drugs, up by 52% in the past 10 years. In 2015, six people died of suspected drug overdoses at Australian music festivals, and numerous more were hospitalised [42]. This is despite a visible police presence at such events and a number of measures in place aimed at detecting and removing drugs from individuals, such as sniffer dogs, which cost the NSW government $9 million per year alone [43]. Over the year 2015-16, drug-related deaths in the UK rose 10% to 2,479, the highest ever recorded [44]. Fatalities involving heroin, cocaine and amphetamines have increased since 2010 [45].

Money well spent?

Statistics for the three nations analysed portray illicit drug use as either unchanged or increasing, despite the large budgets allocated to drug law enforcement. It highlights a fundamental flaw in current policy strategies aimed at eradicating or significantly reducing illicit drug use, and demonstrates that the amount of money spent on developing strategies to tackle social problems is no indication of success if the policy merely addresses the symptoms of the problem, rather than the root cause. In this case, funding punitive law enforcement targeting drug use and related social harms, rather than redirecting that funding towards addressing the underlying causal factors for drug use and dependency in the first place, simply buries the problem under increasing amounts of government expenditure but never truly improves it.

---------------------------------
[8] UNODC. 2012. World Drug Report 2012 - Chapter 1: Recent Statistics and Trend Analysis of Illicit Drug Markets. (Retrieved from [10] Nicholas, R. Roche, A. 'FactCheck: Does Australia spend $1.5 billion a year on drug law enforcement, with 70% due to cannabis?' The Conversation. 29 Feburary 2016. (Retrieved from [15] Carswell, A. 'Australia comes top of global list for recreational drug use in United Nation's 2014 World Drug Report'. The Daily Telegraph. 6 July 2014. (Retrieved from [16] Degenhardt, L. 2016. 'Estimating the number of regular and dependent methamphetamine users in Australia, 2002-2014'. Medical Journal of Australia. (Retrieved from [26,27] The Centre for Social Justice. 2013. 'No Quick Fix: Exposing the depth of Britain's drug and alcohol problem'. (Retrieved from [29] Drug Policy Alliance. 2018. 'The Drug War, Mass Incarceration and Race'. (Retrieved from [30] The Centre for Social Justice. 2013. 'No Quick Fix: Exposing the depth of Britain's drug and alcohol problem'. (Retrieved from [33] Drug Policy Alliance. 2018. 'The Drug War, Mass Incarceration and Race'. (Retrieved from [35] Culkins, J.P. Kleiman, M.A.R. 2014. 'How Much Crime is Drug-Related? History, Limitations, and Potential Improvements of Estimation Methods'. National Criminal Justice Reference Service. (Retrieved from [36,37,38] Drug Policy Alliance. 2018. 'The Drug War, Mass Incarceration and Race'. (Retrieved from here) here) ) ) ) ) here) ) ) )

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Have we seen a reduction in the use of illicit drugs as a result of spending on law enforcement?

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July 31, 2017 The Noffs Team - Updated 19 February 2019 Law enforcement has played a central role in global drug policy for the past 50 years. Governments of developed and developing nations alike have devoted large sections of their budgets to policing drug use and supply, resulting in an increased use of punitive sanctions and a rapid rise in rates of incarceration [1].

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Safe party tips

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Party safely tips

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For your information we have listed some suggestions for you to consider when having a party or gathering. By following the advice below, you can help minimise the risks and help make your party successful, enjoyable and a safe time for everyone.

Before the party

Let the police know that you are having a party by completing the Party Registration Form online. Access the form through the NSW Police Force website and lodge at least 72 hours prior to the party being held.

Consider how the party will be advertised. Don't use Internet, SMS or email distribution lists, online notice boards or social networking sites. If word of the party has spread, you will need to take extra preventative measures (ie. Change venue, more adult supervisors, hire a security guard, ask neighbours to notify you of any unusual behaviour).

Guest lists should be kept to a manageable size. If you are hosting a young person's party, and you are expecting a large number of people, consider asking other responsible adults to assist with supervision, or consider hiring security officers.

Consider numbering your invitations or have the guests produce their invitation at the door in order to get entry. Accompany this with a door list to ensure only those invited are allowed to enter. This is relevant for adolescent parties.

Ask your guests to ensure that other people are not invited without the host's permission.

Personally hand out invitations and let people know that it is an exclusive party, strictly invitation only. That way you can control who is at the party - the door list will help with this.

Make sure your party has a definite start and finish time, and that your guests know what these times are.

If your party is to be held in a hall or sporting facility, contact your local council or community group regarding the hiring conditions, public liability, restrictions etc. This may end up saving you money in the long run.

Go to the location beforehand and check it out. Know where the entrance(s) and exit(s) to the venue are. It is wise to avoid buildings with multiple entrances if you don't want gatecrashers.

Talk to your neighbours and give them a contact number should an emergency occur.

Find out about local noise regulations (contact your Local Council or Police if in doubt).

Prepare your house

Lock away items that can be broken or damaged like the TV, laptop and electrical items. Also put things away that may be easily stolen such as jewellery, mobile phones, and cameras. If you can pick it up, so can others.

IMPORTANT

If your guests are under 18 years old, you can't serve them alcohol. It's an offence and the consequence is a hefty fine.

If uninvited people attend the party, ask them to leave, if they don't leave contact police on 131 444. If it is an emergency call Triple Zero (000).

The venue

Think about the party size and venue. Is your home too small? Would a hall/function centre be a more appropriate and controlled environment?

Consider appropriate lighting (particularly any dark hidden-away areas you may have).

Are there sufficient toilets so people don't go outside?

What about parking and nearby public amenities?

Where will people put their valuables when they arrive and during the party?

Allocate a lockable room for valuables and close off rooms you do not want people to use.

During the party

If gatecrashers arrive, ask them to leave. If they won't leave, call the police on 131 444 or if there is an emergency call Triple Zero (000).

Remember, you have the right to refuse entry to your property. It is an offence for people to trespass if you have refused them entry.

Have emergency numbers handy.

Locate band and speaker systems as far away from neighbours as possible, and try to keep noise to a minimum. Excessive noise is most likely to be the reason that police will be called to attend a party.

Plan a wind-down time leading up to the finish, turning down music etc.

Supervision and security

Think about adult supervision/security for your party. Who will you use? How many?

Will you use other parents or hire licensed security officers?

If the party is for a young person, please ensure parental supervision is not about "spying" on the young people attending, but just having adults on hand to deal with potential trouble.

Make sure that the supervision is visible, as this will also deter "gatecrashers".

Drug and alcohol issues

Be aware that it is an offence for alcohol to be served or provided to people under the age of 18.

Ensure under 18's do not have access to alcohol. Confiscate BYO alcohol from under 18's

If under 18's do consume alcohol/drugs, contact their parents and have them collected from the party

Discourage guests from bringing their own alcohol to the party as this will give you greater control over drink distribution and the amount consumed.

Should you decide to allow guests to bring their own alcohol, avoid providing open containers that can be "spiked" or used to disguise the volume of alcohol being consumed.

Supervise responsible serving of alcohol for over 18's. Consider nominating a parent or responsible adult to supervise the service or serve the alcohol so that the intoxication and behaviour of your guests can be monitored.

For over 18's parties, make sure there is plenty of alternative non-alcoholic drinks and water.

Crowd management techniques

Have only one entrance or exit to make it easier to control who attends your party. Consider how you will monitor and control this.

Don't allow people to wander around or congregate out the front of your house. Try to confine the party to a backyard, building or enclosed area as it is easier to control your guests. Avoid using front yards or street frontages as this attracts uninvited guests/gatecrashers and can cause complaints from neighbours.

Have visible supervision or security.

Take into account that many people smoke. It is best to make accommodation for this within the confines of the party venue. This keeps guests from having to go outside, which ensures better crowd management.

Remember that it is your party and you have the right to set the standard of acceptable behaviour and to see that it is maintained.

You also have the right to ask people to leave.

If required contact the police on 131 444. In an emergency always contact Triple Zero (000).

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For your information we have listed some suggestions for you to consider when having a party or gathering. By following the advice below, you can help minimise the risks and help make your party successful, enjoyable and a safe time for everyone.

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Safety tips for teenagers

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Partying is fun for people of all ages. Teenagers in particular like to party. This may include clubbing, attending a concert or festival, having a party at home or going to a party at a friend's house. If you follow a few simple suggestions, it will help you stay safe while you're having a good time.

If you are informed about safe partying, you will be better prepared to protect yourself and your friends.

Issues to consider with partying

Some of the things that can go wrong at teenage parties and clubs include:

binge drinking

drink driving

unprotected sex

drug overdose

drink spiking

sexual assault

gate-crashing

fighting

injury

getting arrested.

General suggestions for partying safely

Make smart decisions, including:

Remember that you don't have to use alcohol or other drugs to have fun.

Eat well before you leave home. A full stomach slows the absorption of alcohol.

Drink in moderation. Don't let others top up your drinks and go for low alcohol options wherever possible.

The best way to avoid drug-related problems is not to use at all. If you do, make sure you know what you're taking and find out how to reduce the risks of overdose or injury. Never mix drugs with alcohol or other drugs.

Trust your own judgement. Don't let peer pressure sway you into doing anything you don't want to do. It's okay to say no.

Keep your wits about you and stay close to friends you trust.

Take condoms with you if you think you might end up having sex - and use them.

Don't get into a car with a driver who has been drinking.

Remember that your judgement may be impaired if you've been drinking or taking drugs - don't take risks you may regret, such as diving into water if you don't know how deep it is or fooling around near swimming pools.

Leave for somewhere safe if you feel unsafe at a venue or party.

Plan the night out

If you're going out with friends to party, safety suggestions include:

Know where you're going and how you're getting there.

Plan how to get home - for example, take enough money to share a taxi or nominate a driver to stay sober.

Have a plan B to get home if plan A falls through - for example, ask someone's parent if they will pick you up if you can't get a taxi.

Decide to stay together in a group and look after each other.

Don't leave drinks unattended and don't accept a drink from a stranger. Don't take your eyes off your drink.

Decide on a drink limit and stick to it. Occupy your hands with soft drink or water once you've reached your limit, so you're not tempted to keep buying alcohol drinks. Avoid 'shouts' or drinking games. You are likely to make silly or even dangerous decisions when you have had too much to drink.

Remember that it is illegal to drink alcohol on the street or in a public place or to carry or use illicit drugs. Even if you're drunk (and not just actively drinking) in public, the police are able to place you in custody. You could be arrested and conviction may impact on your future employment or travel plans.

Avoid potentially violent situations

Alcohol and some drugs can lead to physical fights and assault. Suggestions include:

Pace yourself so that you don't lose control as a result of using alcohol or other drugs

Decide with friends beforehand to look out for each other.

Don't get into a verbal argument if someone aggressively confronts you. Walk away.

Don't go off with a person you've only just met. Stay in the public place. If they interest you, get a phone number.

Seek help and advice from your doctor, a social worker or alcohol and drug worker if you tend to pick fights when you're drunk or on drugs.

Overdoses can be avoided

Drugs can cause many health problems including overdose. Safety suggestions include:

Educate yourself about drugs and their effects. Tell a friend what you are taking if you intend to take an illegal drug. They can advise the ambulance staff if necessary.

Don't assume that medications are a safer option than illegal drugs. Medications can be dangerous, even life threatening, if used incorrectly.

Remember that illegal drugs are not manufactured to a precise formula like medicines. An illegal drug may be much stronger than you expect. It may not actually be the drug you think it is, but may contain something else.

Be aware that mixing alcohol and drugs can put you in extreme danger of overdose. The depressant effects of alcohol can mask the effects of stimulant drugs like speed.

Never use alone and don't share needles.

Remember that if you call the ambulance, the paramedics will only get the police involved if someone feels threatened, or if there has been a death.

Safe partying at home

If you are throwing a party at home, safety suggestions include:

Register your party with your local police at least one week in advance.

Insist that the party is 'invitation only' to reduce the risk of gate-crashers. Ask your guests not to spread the word to others via SMS or the internet.

Indicate clearly on the invitation whether the party is 'alcohol free' or if alcohol is provided or is BYO. Say whether cigarette smoking is permitted. State firmly that illegal drugs are not welcome.

Invite parents of party guests to call beforehand for more information.

Ask parents of guests to provide transport to and from the party.

Secure all valuables on your property.

Make sure you have responsible adults on hand to monitor the party.

Make sure the host (and the host's parents and other responsible adults) remain sober so that any problems can be dealt with quickly and safely.

Consider a hired security guard - It may seem extreme, but it could give you (and your guests) additional peace of mind.

Serve plenty of food. Guests are more likely to get drunk on an empty stomach. Avoid salty foods, which may encourage guests to drink.

Serve plenty of water and soft drinks.

Be vigilant if you have a swimming pool - intoxicated guests may fall in.

Turn the music down after midnight.

Have a plan of action if a guest becomes drunk or ill. This might involve arranging for them to get home safely, or calling 000 if they're seriously ill.

Ask gate-crashers to leave immediately or threaten that the police will be called. Follow through with your threats.

Call the police if you feel that a situation is beyond your control.

Safe partying for guests at a home party

If you've been invited to a party at someone's home, safety suggestions include:

Don't advertise the party via SMS or the internet. You risk gate-crashers and violent situations.

Arrange for your parents to drive you to the party and pick you up at a designated time.

Give your parents the host's phone numbers.

Take soft drink, not alcohol.

Don't keep quiet and allow unsafe behaviour. If you are concerned at all, speak to the host, the host's parents or the designated 'responsible adults'.

How to help a friend in need

If your friend is suffering from the effects of alcohol or drugs or needs help, suggestions include:

Always dial triple zero (000) for an ambulance in an emergency. Don't avoid calling the ambulance because you're afraid the police may become involved. Your friend may suffer serious consequences if you delay getting them help. Ambulance officers only care about saving lives.

Stay close by your friend and monitor their wellbeing. Offer reassurance.

If your friend is unconscious, lay them on their side to reduce the risk of aspirating (breathing in) vomit.

If they are not breathing, commence cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). If you don't know how to perform CPR, call 000 and emergency services staff will guide you over the phone. The ambulance officers will take over as soon as they arrive.

If your friend has been assaulted, or thinks they may have been drugged and assaulted, encourage them to immediately contact the police or go to the emergency department of the nearest hospital. Offer your support.

It's a good idea to read ReachOut.com's fact sheet on helping a drunk friend, so that you have some good strategies for helping drunk friends at: Reach Out - Helping a drunk friend.

Where to get help

Your doctor

Police, call triple zero (000)

Ambulance, call triple zero (000)

Emergency department of your nearest hospital

Kids Helpline Tel. 1800 551 800

DirectLine Tel. 1800 888 236 - for 24-hour confidential drug and alcohol telephone counselling, information and referral

Youth Support and Advocacy Service (YSAS) Tel.1800 458 685 - for young people, 24-hour confidential drug and alcohol telephone counselling, information and referral

DrugInfo Tel. 1300 85 85 84 - for information

Family Planning Victoria Tel. 1800 013 952 or (03) 9257 0100

Melbourne Sexual Health Centre Tel. (03) 9341 6200 or 1800 032 017 or TTY (for the hearing impaired) (03) 9347 8619

Action Centre (for young people 25 and under) Tel: (03) 9660 4700

Sexual Assault Crisis Line and CASA Tel. 1800 806 292

National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service (Australia) Tel. 1800 737 732 - free telephone counselling hotline (24 hours, 7 days)

1800RESPECT - for real-time online counselling

Victims of Crime Helpline 1800 819 817

Parentline Tel. 132 289

Victoria Police Party Safe program - call your local police station

Family Drug Help - for information and support for people concerned about a relative or friend using drugs Tel. 1300 660 068

Things to remember

Some of the things that can go wrong when teenagers are partying include binge drinking, drink driving, arrest, unprotected sex, drink spiking, sexual assault, injury and drug overdose.

Australian statistics show that teenagers who are informed about safe partying are more likely to protect themselves and their friends.

Know where you're going, how you're getting there and how you're getting home.

Content Partner

This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by: Reach Out

Content on this website is provided for education and information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. Content has been prepared for Victorian residents and wider Australian audiences, and was accurate at the time of publication. Readers should note that, over time, currency and completeness of the information may change. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.

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Partying is fun for people of all ages. Teenagers in particular like to party. This may include clubbing, attending a concert or festival, having a party at home or going to a party at a friend's house. If you follow a few simple suggestions, it will help you stay safe while you're having a good time.

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Facts sheets/support networks

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Medical problem? Call 1800 022 222. If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately

healthdirect Australia is a free service where you can talk to a nurse or doctor who can help you know what to do.

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Medical problem? Call 1800 022 222. If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately healthdirect Australia is a free service where you can talk to a nurse or doctor who can help you know what to do.

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The charts below contain the Minimum Legal Drinking Ages (MLDAs) and related data for 190 independent states recognized by the US State Department as of July 15, 2015. The data were taken from the World Health Organization's 2014 "Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health 2014," unless otherwise noted. No drinking age information was available for Djibouti, Lebanon, Marshall Islands, North Korea, or South Sudan, the other five countries listed by the State Department as independent states.

Of the 190 countries, 61% have a drinking age of 18 or 19 years old. The United States and 11 other countries have an MLDA of 21 years old, the highest MLDA of all the countries where it is legal to drink (although some areas of India have drinking ages as high as 25 and 30 years old). Alcohol is banned in 16 countries, all of them Muslim countries, although some have exceptions for non-Muslims.

I. Minimum Legal Drinking Ages in 190 Countries (categorized by lowest legal age minimum for any type of alcohol or purchase)

Benin, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, China, Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Indonesia, Kosovo, Laos, Mali, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Togo

Antigua and Barbuda, Central African Republic

Austria, Belgium, Congo, Cyprus, Denmark, Dominica, Germany, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Morocco, Portugal, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Spain, Switzerland

Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Cape Verde, Chad, Chile, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Honduras, Hungary, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lesotho, Liberia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Russia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Iceland, Japan, Paraguay, Thailand, Uzbekistan

Côte d'Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Iraq, Kiribati, Micronesia, Mongolia, Nauru, Oman, Palau, Samoa, Sri Lanka, United States

Illegal to drink alcohol at any age (16 countries) some exceptions for non-Muslims may apply

Afghanistan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, Iran, Kuwait, Libya, Maldives, Mauritania, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, United Arab Emirates, Yemen

When available, each country is linked to a PDF document from the World Health Organization (WHO) detailing its alcohol policy. On premise refers to bars, cafes, restaurants, etc. Off premise refers to liquor stores, wine shops, and supermarkets.

Canada
18/19

18/19

18: Alberta, Manitoba, Quebec; 19: British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan, Yukon

Kosovo

No age minimum

No age minimum

No info provided by WHO; other sources list no age minimum or say the drinking age is 18.

Liechtenstein
16/18

16/18

No info provided by WHO; other sources list 16 for beer and wine/18 for spirits.

Marshall Islands
N/A

N/A

No info provided by WHO.

Vatican City (Holy See)
18

18

No info provided by WHO; other sources say 18.

Sources:

AFP, "Al Qaeda Lashes Four Yemenis for Drinking Alcohol," tribune.com.pk, Feb. 27, 2012

AIM - Alcohol in Moderation, "What is Legal drinking age (LDA)?," www.aim-digest.com, Jan. 2015

Jay R. Brooks, "Solomon Islands Beer," brookstonbeerbulletin.com, July 7, 2012

Zak Brophy, "Lebanon's Underage Drinking Problem," executive-magazine.com, Mar. 14, 2013

Manzoor Butt, "Use of Illegal Toxic Alcohol Is Killing Hundreds Every Year in Pakistan; Family Physicians Have to Play a More Proactive Role in Saving Precious Lives," Middle East Journal of Business, Apr. 2015

Caroline's Rainbow Foundation, "Drinking Age Restrictions," carolinesrainbowfoundation.org (accessed July 15, 2015)

Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse, "Legal Drinking Age for Alcohol in Canada," ccsa.ca (accessed July 15, 2015)

A Country a Month, "Local Food You Should Try in Kosovo and No-Miss Drinks in Kosovo," acountryamonth.com (accessed July 15, 2015)

Saeed Kamali Dehghan, "Iranian Pair Face Death Penalty after Third Alcohol Offence," theguardian.com, June 25, 2012

J.D. DiGiovanni, "F-, Marry, Kill: The 'Legal Age' for Doing Adult Things around the World," hopesandfears.com (accessed July 15, 2015)

Frommer's, "Fast Facts in Samoa," frommers.com (accessed July 15, 2015)

Susanna George, "Beer and Chivas Fly off the Shelves as Baghdad's Liquor Stores Reopen after Ramadan," pri.org, Aug. 4, 2014

Murtaza Haider, "Alcohol Consumption in Pakistan: Don't Mix Sin with Crime," dawn.com, Oct. 29, 2014

Rob Harris and John Leicester, "Qatar to World Cup Critics: We're No Vampires," ap.org, Nov. 11, 2014

Sabeer Lodhi, "Why Ban Alcohol When It Is Consumed Openly?," blogs.tribune.com.pk, Nov. 4, 2012

Kenton Murray, "The Alcohol Guide to Qatar," kentonmurray.com, Oct. 23, 2014

Times of India, "Maharashtra's Legal Drinking Age is Highest in World," timesofindia.indiatimes.com, Jan. 24, 2011

James Porteous, "Drinking (or Not) in Doha," telegraph.co.uk, July 19, 2011

US Department of State, "Independent States in the World," state.gov, Dec. 30, 214

US Department of State, "U.S. Relations With Kosovo," state.gov, Jan. 29, 2015

Visa HQ, "Brunei Darussalam Customs," brunei-darussalam.visahq.com (accessed July 15, 2015)

Carol J. Williams, "Islamists Slam Kuwaiti Lawmaker for Call to Allow Dancing, Alcohol," latimes.com, Jan. 5, 2015

World Health Organization, "Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health 2014," who.int, 2014

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Minimum Legal Drinking Age in Other Countries - Drinking Age - ProCon.org

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The charts below contain the Minimum Legal Drinking Ages (MLDAs) and related data for 190 independent states recognized by the US State Department as of July 15, 2015. The data were taken from the World Health Organization's 2014 "Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health 2014," unless otherwise noted.

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Indigenous focus/support - alcohol and drugs

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Alcohol and drugs

Drugs and alcohol can make you feel good for a little while, but in the long run will make you feel much worse. Drugs and alcohol can also weaken your spirit and your connection with family, community and culture.

It's important to stay safe. These are some signs of when drinking or drug use could be becoming a problem.

alcohol

Alcohol is stuff like beer, cider, wine, spirits or homebrew but you might know it as grog, charge, booze, drink or piss. Alcohol dulls the senses and affects the way you think, feel and act. For most people, alcohol will relax you, slow down your reflexes and affect your balance and coordination. When you're feeling down, alcohol can make you feel even sadder or more angry.

Yarndi, gunja

Yarndi or gunja is also known as cannabis, marijuana, grass, pot, dope and weed. Yarndi can change your mood and slow down thinking, feeling, movements, memory and concentration. After using yarndi, you might find it difficult to think straight, remember things and solve problems. In the long term, yarndi can make you feel less motivated and feel worse if you are feeling down.

Ice (crystal meth)

Ice can be called crystal meth, amphetamines, shabu, and it is the strongest form of speed. These drugs speed you up and make you have lots of energy. They can also make you feel invincible, and this can lead you to do unsafe things that you wouldn't normally do like have unsafe sex or drive dangerously. It can make you lose your appetite, make you sleep less and run you down. Ice might also make you feel worried or suspicious or aggressive. Some people might see or hear things that aren't there.

stay safe

There is no safe level of drug and grog use. Use of any drug always carries some risk - even prescribed medications can cause unwanted side effects. If you choose to use drugs or alcohol here's some ways to stay safe;

Sip on your drink, don't hook into it

Take a little bit of the drug first to see how strong it is

Don't mix your drugs. It can be very dangerous

Use clean drug utensils

Don't drive - keep enough money for a cab or organise a lift with someone you trust

Make sure you have a feed before you start drinking or using drugs and drink lots of water

It's not safe to drink and use drugs while pregnant

Avoid drinking or using drugs if you have school, university or work the next day

Try drinking out of bottles with lids (safe from spiking)

Look out for your mates

Look after your health- remember to rest, eat well, sleep and take time out from drugs

Call an ambulance (000) if things get bad

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Alcohol & Drugs Info - for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders | headspace

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Drugs and alcohol can make you feel good for a little while, but in the long run will make you feel much worse. Drugs and alcohol can also weaken your spirit and your connection with family, community and culture. Visit headspace for more information about alcohol and drugs use.

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Calculating a standard drink

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Do you know what a standard drink looks like? Learn how many standard drinks are in common glasses.

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Charity making a difference to community members facing mental health challenges

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"I had such a wonderful time with the Surfing Experience and it was a truly transformative experience. It was empowering to talk about sensitive and vulnerable issues surrounding mental health. Sharing is not easy for me and I felt very safe and respected in our group. I began to see implicit stigma in my daily life and in my own thought patterns."

- Clemence, 23 - WOW program volunteer

We operate a range of mental health and wellbeing programs across our three waves of support.

Whether it's wellness programs, or mental health support programs, our evidence-based surf therapy programs are leading the way.

Time to get serious about wellness at work? We deliver a range of options when it comes to mental health and wellbeing in the workplace.

Our primary education program aims to change the way kids learn about mental health, providing practical tools to cope and stay well.

"I feel like the program has shown me I shouldn't be scared, or let my fear get in the way of trying new things. I shouldn't be afraid of going out and having a surf or going out and meeting people. It has definitely changed me, I've been feeling a lot better since the start of the program."

- Justin, 20 - WOW program participant

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Waves of Wellness (WOW) Foundation is a mental health surf therapy charity, committed to changing lives by delivering for-purpose prevention programs, and innovative support programs for people experiencing mental health challenges. Find out more about us and you can help.

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You've got what it takes to ask R U OK?

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Yarn Safe - Indigenous focus

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Mental health is like a tree

To stay strong and healthy it needs looking after. You need to take care of the roots of the tree for it to grow tall and stand strong.

Adapted from Menzies School of Health Research - Aboriginal and Islander Mental Health Initiative.

You might notice changes

When we've got a lot going on we can feel sad, weak, tired, stressed and angry. Everybody has these feelings when life is tough, but when these feelings go on for a long time it can weaken our body, mind and spirit. When this happens, there are some changes you might notice, like:

Feeling sad inside and no interest in doing things

Feeling like everything is an effort

Wanting to be alone

Not eating good tucker

Not being able to sleep

Feeling nervous or jumpy

Feeling guilt or shame

Being so sad nothing can cheer you up

Crying and you don't know why

Being quick to get wild and angry

Having trouble focusing or remembering things

Having too much alcohol, gunja/yandi and other drugs

Having bad thoughts or thinking of dying

Yarn with friends and family about what's going on

Getting enough sleep

Eating good, healthy tucker

Staying connected with family and friends who give you strength and support

Practicing culture through local totems and stories

Spend time with local Elders to learn history, go on country, and learn art and crafts

Reconnecting with country by going camping, hunting, fishing, swimming or surfing

Taking time out for yourself to do things you enjoy like a hot bath, bush walk or drawing

Making deadly choices and good changes

Setting yourself goals

Staying connected to your physical body by playing sports, music or dancing

You can keep yourself strong by:

Having ways to practice culture, language, and spiritual beliefs can make you feel proud and keep your spirit strong and your mind positive and resilient. Sometimes your community isn't on traditional country but you can still get involved in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture by sharing stories with local Elders and discovering local history.

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Mental Health Info - for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders | headspace

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Mental health is like a tree. To stay strong and healthy it needs looking after. You need to take care of the roots of the tree for it to grow tall and stand strong. Visit headspace for more information about mental health

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The stories are the personal experiences of people who have recovered from, or are going through, depression, anxiety or a related disorder

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The stories below are the personal experiences of people who have recovered from, or are going through, depression, anxiety or a related disorder. Beyond Bluealso encourages family and friends to share their experiences of providing support to someone they care about.

These personal stories provide a first-hand look at the challenges and triumphs associated with managing and recovering from depression and anxiety.

Would you like to share your story?

Sharing your story can be an opportunity to download your thoughts and feelings, help others by providing hope and encouragement, and also help break down the stigma around depression and anxiety.

Join our forums to share your story with our online community. By sharing your story we hope others will find encouragement and hope, wherever they may be on their personal journey.

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The stories below are the personal experiences of people who have recovered from, or are going through, depression, anxiety or a related disorder. Beyond Bluealso encourages family and friends to share their experiences of providing support to someone they care about.

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Black Dog Institute | Better Mental Health

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Black Dog Institute | Better Mental Health

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The only medical research institute in Australia dedicated to researching mental health for all ages.

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Monthly calendars of ideas for creating positive wellbeing

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Whether it's your individual journey at focus or sharing the experience with others - taking action will lead you towards a happier life.

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Education Resources

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Educators Handbook

The Educators Handbook has all the essential information you need to start your Be You journey.

For a full introduction to Be You for educators, download:

Once you've read the relevant handbook, you're ready to get started on your Be You journey!

Have a question?

No problem! Get in touch.

How do I register as an individual educator?

Registering with Be You is quick, easy - and free! We just need some basic information about who you are and your role as an educator.

Is my early learning service or school a Be You Learning Community?

Be You is for both individual educators and whole learning communities.

A Be You Learning Community is a school or early learning service which has committed to a whole learning community approach to mental health and wellbeing.

Becoming a Be You Learning Community requires leadership support and an Action Team Leader in place.

Find out more about how to become a Be You Learning Community.

Your Dashboard will tell you if you're part of a participating Be You Learning Community, and you'll also be able to see who your Action Team Leader is.

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The Educators Handbook has all the essential information you need to start your Be You journey. For a full introduction to Be You for educators, download: Once you've read the relevant handbook, you're ready to get started on your Be You journey! Have a question? No problem! Get in touch.

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R U OK? inspire and empower everyone to meaningfully connect with the people around them and start a conversation with those in their world who may be struggling with life.

You don't need to be an expert to reach out - just a good friend and a great listener.

Use these four steps and have a conversation that could change a life:

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A conversation could change a life | R U OK?

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R U OK? is a suicide prevention charity in Australia, encouraging all of us to notice the signs of mental health struggle in friends, family, and colleagues, and start meaningful conversations that offer support and care to those in need. A conversation can change a life.

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Professional learning resources

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Explore the latest research about resilience. Learn how school communities have responded to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and other events. Plan strategies from the classroom to the whole school environment to sustain resilient attitudes and practices.

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Pandemic Fatigue

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While we can all experience fatigue in different ways, it is possible to counter its effects. The Commission has developed resources to help you look out for some of the signs of fatigue, and shares steps you can take to be kind to yourself and overcome these feelings.

Pandemic fatigue is real and it's absolutely understandable many Australians are experiencing it.

Every Australian has had to endure a lot as a result of COVID-19.

We put 2020 behind us and envisaged 2021 as being a fresh start. We found the courage to support ourselves, our loved ones and our communities through many hardships last year, but it's a bit different this time as many of us are running close to empty emotionally and mentally. It's absolutely understandable that many Australians are experiencing pandemic fatigue at this time, but it's important to realise that we can overcome it.

The National Mental Health Commission and mental health services are united in urging all Australians to take practical steps to maintain their mental wellbeing.

Everybody is experiencing pandemic fatigue differently. Some of us may not even be aware it's affecting us.

It's important to be aware of pandemic fatigue in ourselves and in those around us, so we can take proactive opportunities to maintain our wellbeing.

Click here to download further information about the feelings and behaviours that indicate pandemic fatigue and the practical steps you can take to alleviate them.

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While we can all experience fatigue in different ways, it is possible to counter its effects. The Commission has developed resources to help you look out for some of the signs of fatigue, and shares steps you can take to be kind to yourself and overcome these feelings.

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Taxi Racism - It stops with me

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ABC - You can't ask that - Australians with a Chinese Background

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ABC - You can't ask that - Australians with a Chinese Background

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Ensure you view this before showing it to students for appropriateness of content/language

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You Can’t Ask That: Series 6 Chinese Australians

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Despite over 200 years of migration history, many Chinese-Australians continue to feel othered, still having to prove that they belong. We meet 8 Chinese-Australians, all with very different stories.

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ABC You can't ask that - People on the autism spectrum

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ABC You can't ask that - People on the autism spectrum

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Ensure you view this before showing it to students for appropriateness of content/language

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Asking outrageous, uncomfortable and shocking questions to uncover the truth behind some of the most marginalised and misunderstood Australians.

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ABC - You can't ask that - People who are deaf

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ABC - You can't ask that - People who are deaf

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Ensure you view this before showing it to students for appropriateness of content/language

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What does being deaf feel like? What do deaf people wish they could hear? Through sign and speech, eight profoundly deaf Australians give a unique insight into their lives. This episode is open captioned.

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ABC You can't ask that - Children of same sex parents

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ABC You can't ask that - Children of same sex parents

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Ensure you view this before showing it to students for appropriateness of content/language

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Ensure you view this before showing it to students for appropriateness of content/language

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Asking outrageous, uncomfortable and shocking questions to uncover the truth behind some of the most marginalised and misunderstood Australians.

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ABC You can't ask that - People with Down Syndrome 

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ABC You can't ask that - People with Down Syndrome 

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Ensure you view this before showing it to students for appropriateness of content/language

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Asking outrageous, uncomfortable and shocking questions to uncover the truth behind some of the most marginalised and misunderstood Australians.

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ABC You can't ask that - People who are blind 

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ABC You can't ask that - People who are blind 

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Ensure you view this before showing it to students for appropriateness of content/language

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Asking the most outrageous and uncomfortable questions to uncover the truth behind what it's like for marginalised and misunderstood Australians.

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Ensure you view this before showing it to students for appropriateness of content/language

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Insightful, irreverent, moving and unpredictable, this episode sets the record straight about what it’s really like to be an Indigenous Australian. #YouCantAskThat

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Ensure you view this before showing it to students for appropriateness of content/language

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Asking outrageous, uncomfortable and shocking questions to uncover the truth behind some of the most marginalised and misunderstood Australians.

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ABC - You can't ask that - Wheelchair users

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ABC - You can't ask that - Wheelchair users

# data[].attributes.body
Ensure you view this before showing it to students for appropriateness of content/language

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Asking outrageous, uncomfortable and shocking questions to uncover the truth behind some of the most marginalised and misunderstood Australians.

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Dylan Alcott - TED Talk

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Dylan Alcott OAM is a Paralympic gold medalist, World Champion, Grand Slam champion and world record holder for both wheelchair basketball and wheelchair tennis. In 2008, Dylan won Gold at the 2008 Beijing Paralympic games at the age of 17, the youngest ever winner of a wheelchair basketball gold medal.

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Kurt Fearnley interviews Dylan Alcott

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Kurt Fearnley talks to some well-known Australians who have faced challenges and setbacks in their lives, only to overcome them and go on to make a real difference. What drives them and what does it take to reach their goals?

Thursdays 9.35pm on ABC TV + iview

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Kurt Fearnley talks to some well-known Australians who have faced challenges and setbacks in their lives, only to overcome them and go on to make a real difference. What drives them and what does it take to reach their goals?

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Kurt Fernley - Talking disability with young kids

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Kurt Fearnley answers kids' questions about disability | Little Kids Big Talk

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Significance of NRL Indigenous Round

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Isn't it great that all 16 clubs will this weekend wear jerseys with Indigenous-inspired designs.

On top of them all looking marvellous, it's exciting to see how our game recognises and is proud of our country's Indigenous people.

This Indigenous weekend isn't just a themed round, but more of a celebration of all the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians involved in rugby league.

Our game means so much to many Indigenous Australians. As mentioned on NRL.com this week, 12 percent of NRL-contracted players are Indigenous compared with the just 2.8 percent of Australians who identify as having Aboriginal heritage according to the latest Census in 2016. And on top of that, 17 percent of grassroots players are Indigenous.

Speaking to this week's edition of Big League, Cronulla winger Edrick Lee shared how proud he is of the NRL for recognising his culture and his family's history this weekend. He is also blown away with how many Indigenous players there are in the NRL.

Having grown up in Brisbane during the 1990s, Lee said there were only a handful of Indigenous rugby league players to look up to - but now there's an abundance of Indigenous players, including himself.

Get your copy of Big League magazine
Lee's role model was Queensland and Australia winger Wendell Sailor, who played 189 games for Brisbane and 33 for St George Illawarra. There are many Indigenous players past and present who continue to inspire the rugby league community.

Preston Campbell is one of them. Weighing 70-odd kilograms and standing at 167cm, "Presto" matched it with the big boys and inspired a generation of kids. The 2001 Dally M winner played 267 first grade games for Gold Coast, Cronulla and Penrith. In 2016, the Preston Campbell Foundation was established.

The foundation supports Preston's vision of developing programs and opportunities which inspire and mentor participants to achieve their aspirations and dreams by connecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with their culture, sense of place and well-being.

George Rose is the ultimate embodiment of the term "cult hero". "Gorgeous George" was one of the lovable characters in rugby league. He may have lacked a bit of fitness at times and never had a chiselled body, but he was a gutsy prop who got the job done.

After retiring, he took was an NRL ambassador and took on a position as an Indigenous Community and Player Engagement Manager with the NRL.

Not only will he be a future Immortal, Johnathan Thurston will be remembered for the work he did off the field. Named Queensland's 2018 Australian of the Year, he was recognised for using his profile to help Indigenous people reach their potential.

He has championed Indigenous education through Achieving Results Through Indigenous Education Academy (ARTI).

He is also the face of Synapse's campaign to prevent acquired brain injury in Indigenous communities. The list goes on, including being an ambassador for the Queensland Reconciliation Awards and for the Apunipima Cape York Health Council's anti-ice campaign.

What a great role model. Enjoy the footy this weekend.

Who's your favourite Indigenous player?

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Indigenous Round provides a fitting recognition

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Isn't it great that all 16 clubs will this weekend wear jerseys with Indigenous-inspired designs. On top of them all looking marvellous, it's exciting to see how our game recognises and is proud of our country's Indigenous people.