Activity 01
Ad Busters
Pupils analyse print or video advertisements for alcohol (or historical tobacco ads) to identify the persuasive techniques used. They discuss the target audience and the messages the ads convey versus the reality of the product's effects.
Analyse the short-term and long-term effects of smoking and alcohol on the body.
Facilitation TipUse mock or historical ads to avoid promoting current brands and focus on the techniques, not the products.
What to look forObserve pupils' contributions during group discussions and role-play activities to gauge their understanding and confidence in applying refusal skills.
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Activity 02
Role-Play Scenarios
Present pupils with various realistic scenarios where they might be offered alcohol or a cigarette. In pairs or small groups, they practise different refusal strategies, such as saying 'no' firmly, giving a reason, or suggesting an alternative activity.
Explain the social and health reasons for laws regarding the sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors.
Facilitation TipCo-create the scenarios with the class to ensure they feel relevant and authentic to the pupils.
What to look forPupils create a storyboard for a short video or a comic strip aimed at younger children, explaining the risks of smoking or underage drinking in a clear and factual way.
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Activity 03
Body Map Investigation
In groups, pupils draw a large outline of a human body on paper. They use reliable sources, like the HSE website, to research and label the short-term and long-term effects of alcohol and tobacco on different organs.
Evaluate the influence of advertising and peer pressure on choices about smoking and drinking.
Facilitation TipProvide a list of key organs to guide their research, such as the brain, lungs, liver, and heart.
What to look forPupils complete a 'Confidence Scale' where they rate from 1-5 how confident they feel about using different refusal strategies, and identify one they want to practise more.
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Generate Complete Lesson→A few notes on teaching this unit
Establish clear ground rules to create a safe and respectful environment for discussion. Use fact-based resources from trusted sources like the HSE to avoid sensationalism. The main goal is to build skills and confidence, so focus on interactive methods like role-playing and group investigation rather than direct instruction.
By the end of these activities, pupils will be able to explain the effects of these substances on the body and demonstrate strategies for resisting social pressure.
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Vaping is just flavoured water, it's harmless.
Most vapes contain nicotine, the same addictive chemical found in cigarettes. They also contain other chemicals, and scientists are still learning about their long-term effects on the lungs and body.
Everyone drinks alcohol when they get older, so I will too.
Many adults choose not to drink alcohol at all, or only drink in moderation. Statistics show that most adults in Ireland do not smoke. It is always a personal choice.
Having just one cigarette or one drink won't do any damage.
Any amount of smoking is harmful, and nicotine addiction can start very quickly. For young people, alcohol can affect brain development and impair judgement even in small amounts, leading to risky situations.
Methods used in this brief