Community trial of a new harm minimisation program for young people

The educational program that is being trialled is called 'The Illicit Project' and is a school-based, 3-class drug education program accessed via the internet. The evidence-based program was designed to upskill young people in harm minimisation strategies to reduce substance use related harm. Adherence will be measured through students completion rates, measured through an online widget. Students will receive an email with a log-in link to the program, on the first occasion, using personalised computers, they will complete the baseline questionnaire and register to the program. On the second, third and fourth class, students will use individual computers to work progressively through the three modules during class time. The three modules are called [1] The Brain and Alcohol [2] Illicit Drugs and Harm Reduction and [3] Addiction, Mental Health and Wellbeing (module 3 is shorter and followed by the post-program questionnaire); and students will have the opportunity to download/ print a one page factsheet for each module. Module 1 and Module 2 run for around 40minutes whilst Module 3 runs for around 20minutes and is followed by a post-program questionnaire. The four classes required for the baseline questionnaire, 3 class e-modules and the post program questionnaire will be administered within one term of school (around 12weeks) from October 2020-December 2020. Within the 12 weeks, schools are offered flexibility to administer the four classes in any frequency, as long as the program has been completed administrated by December 2020.