TIP-UK

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Information for young people

Information for young people

The Illicit Project UK (shortened to TIP-UK) is an online education programme about alcohol, drugs, and the brain. It is aimed at young people aged 15-18 years old. The programme has been designed by a team of neuroscientists, mental health experts, artists, and students.

The programme includes three interactive online modules that you will complete in class. These modules will help you:

  • understand how alcohol and other drugs affect the brain
  • learn about risks linked to substance use
  • build confidence in making decisions
  • know where to get help if you or someone you know needs it

You will also complete short worksheets to help you think about what you have learned.

Click on the sections below to find out more.

  • Why are we doing research on TIP-UK?

    We want to make sure students in the UK receive high-quality drug education in schools. The programme was shown to be effective in reducing substance use and promoting confidence in help-seeking and staying safe in Australian schools, so we are undertaking research to see if young people in UK schools also experience similar benefits. This study will help us find out if the programme should be used more widely in UK schools.

  • What will happen if my school takes part?

    Schools taking part in the study are randomly put into one of three groups:

    1. Usual lesson group: you will continue to receive your school’s usual drug and alcohol education, normally during RSHE or Health and Wellbeing lessons.

    2. The Illicit Project UK (TIP-UK): You will take part in a drug education and prevention programme called The Illicit Project UK. This will take place during three of your normal RSHE or Health and Wellbeing lessons, in your usual classroom and at your usual lesson time. Each session lasts about 35 minutes, with the rest of the lesson used for worksheets and time to ask questions.

    3. The Illicit Project UK+ (TIP-UK+): you will take part in the same programme described above. In addition, your school will receive extra support from local children and young people’s drug and alcohol services to help deliver and support the programme.

    All students will be asked to complete two questionnaires – before and after the programme – whether you received TIP-UK or had your normal lessons.

    Please note your invitation to participate in this research is not related to any concerns about your substance use, as all students in your class have been invited to take part.

  • Do I have to take part?

    No. You do not have to take part in the questionnaire if you do not want to. We recommend speaking to your teachers, parents, and friends before making a decision. If you choose not to take part, that is OK and will not affect you at school in any way.

    If you decide not to take part in the research, you will still have to take part in your normal RSHE/Health and Wellbeing lessons, including TIP-UK if your school is delivering it, as these lessons are compulsory.

  • Can my school or parents see my questionnaire answers?

    No. Your answers will be confidential and anonymous. This means that only the research team will see the answers, and we don’t have your name. You will not be named and your individual answers cannot be shared with your school, teachers, or parents.

  • What if I have worries about alcohol and drug use right now?

    There may be someone in your school, family, or another trusted adult that you can speak to. There are also some websites that provide confidential and non-judgemental information and advice, including the contact details of people that can help: