Which workshops exist for school classes?

Teachers who want to talk about cannabis in lessons will find several programmes aimed at school classes. The choice depends on how old the class is, how much time is available and which method suits the learning group. The Federal Institute for Public Health (Bundesinstitut für Öffentliche Gesundheit, BIÖG) funds a range of such offers. According to the BIÖG, these programmes and trainings funded by the institute are quality-tested and evaluated.

Which programmes exist for schools

The overview below compares the programmes by year group and approach. The information comes from the cannabis prevention page that describes the programmes. Scope and materials may change, so it is worth taking a look at the programme page before you decide.

Programme	Year group	Approach
Grüner Koffer	from grade 8	nine interactive methods and materials for use at school, available on loan through the regional addiction prevention centres
Cannabis Kompakt	from grade 8	three 90-minute teaching units that build on each other
Cannabis – Quo vadis	from grade 8	interactive workshop in six stages with well-founded and factual information
Escape Cannabis	from grade 8	digital escape game played in class
InstaVention	from grade 9, school and youth work	encourages critical thinking
Rebound 2.0	from grade 8, school and youth work	16-part course: short films show realistic situations from young people’s lives, which are analysed together
IPSY 8 CAN	grades 5 to 8	life skills programme in which students learn abilities and skills

For parents there is also the concept of cannabis parent evenings for grades 8 to 10. It combines knowledge transfer with practical communication tips, explained with film examples.

What to look for when choosing

The most important point is the year group. The BIÖG programmes name different year groups: „IPSY 8 CAN“ covers grades 5 to 8, while the others start at grade 8 or grade 9. Also check the scope: a programme of three units needs fixed timetable planning, whereas an escape game fits better into a project week or a double lesson.

• Does the year group match the age group?
• How many teaching units are needed, and can they be scheduled?
• Does the programme use materials that the class can handle itself?
• Is there accompanying material for teachers?
• Are there offers for parents or for school social work?

Thinking about school classes and youth work together

Some programmes are explicitly aimed at school and youth work. This makes sense if young people should also be reached outside lessons. The BIÖG explicitly names „InstaVention“ and „Rebound 2.0“ for both settings, school and youth work.

Before use, teachers should clarify within the teaching staff who accompanies the programme. An agreement settles who supports the offer.

What prevention in lessons can achieve

Prevention is part of everyday school life and happens continuously. On its page for teachers, the BIÖG stresses that an objective and differentiated approach to young people is important. This article makes no claim about the effectiveness of individual programmes. A follow-up discussion in class, where questions are gathered and answered openly, is advisable.

Health risks are part of this. The BIÖG describes that the young brain is in an important phase of development and that THC can disrupt this development. Concentration and school performance can also be affected. Such facts form the basis for the discussion in lessons.

How to involve parents

Schools should inform parents before a programme starts. Parent evenings on cannabis are an offer for this, combining knowledge and conversation exercises. According to the BIÖG, the concept combines knowledge transfer with communication tips based on film examples, and it is recommended for grades 8 to 10.

What you can do now as a teacher

• Choose a programme by year group and time frame.
• Coordinate the use with school management and the class conference.
• Inform parents about content and aim.
• Plan a follow-up discussion and keep counselling services ready.

The BIÖG programme overview is a good starting point. How a school builds a consistent approach is explained in the guide How does a school develop a consistent rule? How schools involve parents is shown in How does the school involve parents in cannabis prevention? General information on prevention and youth protection is offered by the prevention and youth protection topic area.