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Social Norms

A research paper on social norms written by John McAlaney, Bridgette Bewick and Clarissa Hughes sets out the international development of social norms in drug education and prevention.

The paper looks at the increasing use of social norms in correcting young peoples’ misperceptions regarding alcohol consumption over the last twenty years. Whilst outlining the theoretical approaches the paper looks at Unitcheck and Snap, two programmes developed in the UK and Australia respectively.

Whilst acknowledging the criticisms and the need for longitudinal and randomised control trials the importance of pursuing social norms is emphasised; especially in light of criticisms relating to conventional approaches which use a more fear based approach.

John McAlaney will be presenting at the Drug Forum Education Seminar in Birmingham, 19th November 2010.