Overview
Alignment with Be You Domains
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Learning Resilience
Alignment with Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)
- Not applicable
Alignment with Australian Curriculum
- Health and PE
Target audience
- Secondary school
Target groups
- Whole class
Aims
The OurFutures programs are universal, web-based programs designed to prevent substance use and related harms among secondary school students. The programs aim to empower students with knowledge about their own health and wellbeing. The courses impart education about mental health and substance use, including knowledge about anxiety and depression, the responsible consumption of alcohol and ways to reduce alcohol-related and drug-related harms.Program theory
The programs adopt a social influence approach to prevention with a harm-minimisation goal. The social influence approach incorporates three components: 1. Providing students with accurate, developmentally appropriate information on substance use 2. Incorporating normative education 3. Providing training to teach young people the skills they need to resist alcohol and other drugs and minimise related harms.Topics
There are modules available covering vaping (Years 7 and 8), alcohol (Year 8), alcohol and cannabis (Years 8 and 9), mental health (Years 9 and 10), cannabis and psychostimulants (Years 9 and 10), ecstasy and emerging drugs (Year 10).Cost
Program structure
Five modules are available for students in Year 8 to Year 10. Each module is designed to be implemented across one school term. It is recommended that students complete the lessons in order and receive the program in full, which would require 4 to 6 weeks, with one period dedicated per week (assuming 40 minutes per period). Each lesson contains an online cartoon component (20 minutes), completed individually by students, and optional teacher-delivered activities (20 minutes).Instructor
- Educator
Instructor training
Instructors (usually teachers) are provided with an implementation guide, scope and sequence documents, summaries of lesson content and guidance on optional in-class activities and homework.Supporting resources or materials available with program
- Manual
Ongoing support
The OurFutures team is available by phone or email.Parent involvement
- Attend information sessions
Origin of program
Australia
OurFutures
Program authors
Professor Maree Teesson, Professor Nicola Newton
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney, Level 6, Jane Foss Russell Building, G02,Camperdown NSW 2006 Australia
Ratings
Summary of evidence factors
This is a summary of the evaluation or research study characteristics that contribute to the program’s evidence rating.
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Positive impact on at least one outcome for children and/or young people?
The study reported positive outcomes. |
Yes |
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Link between program description and theory of change
Theory of change refers to whether there was a comprehensive description and illustration of how and why a desired change is expected to happen in a particular context. |
Comprehensive |
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Study design
Type of study design reported. |
Randomised control trial |
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Independence
The degree to which the program authors were involved in the research. |
Completely |
Summary of implementation factors
This is a summary of the program’s characteristics that contribute to its implementation rating.
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Feedback sought from participants
Participants enjoyed the program and understood its benefits. |
No |
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Feedback sought from instructors
Instructors enjoyed the program and understood its benefits. |
No |
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Groups program is not suitable for
Groups the program wouldn't be suitable for or that required further research to determine suitability. |
Assessed and not reported |
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Training provided during study
The model of training provided. |
Web based |
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Ongoing instructor support provided during study
Whether ongoing support is provided. |
Yes |
Context
This is a summary of the context in which the evidence for the program was established.
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Study Participants
Pre school, primary school (Foundation to Year 6), secondary school (Years 7 to 12). |
Secondary school |
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Country of Study/s
The location in which the evidence or research was conducted. |
Australia |
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Location of Study/s in Australia
The state (or states) the program was assessed in Australia. |
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Evaluation of program in culturally and linguistically diverse populations
Provider has included culturally and linguistically diverse people when assessing the program. |
No |
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Evaluation of program in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people
Provider has included Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples when assessing the program. |
No |
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Evaluation of program in low socioeconomic groups
Program has evaluated a diverse socio-economic population in their research. |
Yes |
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Developmental based adaptations to program design and delivery
Shorter sessions for younger students or activities are adjusted for age appropriateness. |
No |
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Evaluation of program in children and young people with disability and/or learning difference
Provider has included participants with a disability or learning difference when assessing the program. |
Yes |
Last updated: 13 June 2024