German schools expand addiction prevention programs for youth

Educational programs focused on addiction prevention are expanding in German schools to address substance use and digital risks among youth.

In Schwerin, the school prevention program has been extended to include the ninth and tenth grades. The curriculum for these levels focuses on social media and cannabis, respectively. Since its launch a year ago, more than 960 students from grades four to eight have participated in the program, which covers risks associated with alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, and digital media. The initiative is a collaborative effort involving the health department, the police, and social project networks.

In Wiesbaden, the Friedrich-Ebert-Schule hosted a specialized “Cannabis-Check” action day. Organized by the addiction prevention unit of the addiction help center and the Wiesbaden health department, the interactive event provided students with factual information regarding the effects, risks, and legal frameworks of cannabis use. The goal of such initiatives is to empower young people to make informed, self-determined decisions by providing reliable information and highlighting potential consequences.