Published on: 3 March 2021



Renowned guest speaker Paul Dillon returned to Christ Church this week to speak to over 150 parents and guardians on the topics of teenagers, drugs and isolation in a post Covid-19 world.

The talk, hosted by the School’s Parents’ Association, explored how parents can best support their son/s in making smart choices and how accessibility to high quality and accurate alcohol and drug information is essential for parents if a community-based approach to drug education is to be adopted.

“Paul’s parent information sessions cover a range of issues including resilience and the importance of connectedness. They promote positive norms and aim to empower students, parents and staff in this incredibly important health area,” says Liam Casson, Director of The Wynne Centre for Boys’ Health and Wellbeing.

During his visit, Paul also conducted three separate talks with boys from Years 10 to 12 on the subject of alcohol, drugs and living in isolation.

“The boys engagement throughout the day was exceptional and Paul acknowledged the Year 10, 11 and 12’s on this after each presentation. Speaking with a number of students after each presentation it was so pleasing that they had a number of take away’s to reflect and most importantly action.” said Mr Casson

Paul has been working in the area of drug education for over 25 years and continues to work with many school communities across the country to ensure that they have access to good quality information and best practice drug education.

Anyone wishing to read more on these topics is encouraged to view our recent article Dealing with risk taking and the consequences for boys featured on our Building Good Men blog. Additional resources can also be accessed through the Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia website.