Lesson video

Hello, my name is Miss Willow, and I'm going to be your teacher for today's lesson.

Today's lesson is called Drugs and Risky Sexual Behavior, and it fits into the Unit: Healthy, intimate relationships.

What influences risky, sexual behavior.

During this lesson, we are going to be talking about mental health, sexual content, and other sensitive content.

So for this lesson, we require you to have an adult with you.

And if you don't have an adult with you at the moment, please come back to this lesson when you do have one with you, and if at any point during this lesson you do feel worried or uncomfortable, it's important that you stop the video and that you speak to a trusted adult.

Okay, let's make a start on today's lesson.

By the end of today's lesson, you'll be able to explain the impact of drugs on decision making and risky sexual behavior.

Before we get started with today's lesson, we need to go over some ground rules.

These help to make sure that everyone feels safe and comfortable during today's lesson.

First of all, Laura tells us that we need to listen to others.

It's okay to disagree with each other, but we should always listen properly before we make any assumptions or before we decide how to respond.

When we disagree with someone else, it's important to challenge the statement and not the person themselves.

Next, Jacob says, "No judgment.

We can explore any beliefs and misunderstandings that we have about a topic without fear of being judged by others." Next, Izzy says that we can choose our level of participation.

Everyone has the right to choose not to answer a question or to join in with discussion.

We should never put anyone on the spot.

And finally, Andeep says that we need to respect each other's privacy.

We can discuss examples, but we shouldn't use any names or descriptions that identify anyone, including ourselves.

If we want to share a story or an experience, we can refer to someone as my friend.

This means that we're not going to give away any identifying information.

Next, we're going to look at the keywords in today's lesson.

Our first keyword is drug.

This is a substance that changes the way bodies and brains work.

In this context, this is a voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity, which cannot be legally given when someone is heavily under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Next, we have decision-making.

This is the process of making choices, which can be negatively affected by drugs or alcohol.

Next, we have risky sexual behavior.

These are sexual activities which could lead to an increased chance of STIs, unintended pregnancy, or feelings of regret.

And finally, we have inhibitions.

This is the body's way of regulating words and actions which are reduced or removed under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Today's lesson is split into two learning cycles.

Our first learning cycle is called What are the effects of drugs on decision-making? And our second learning cycle is called How are drugs linked to risky sexual behavior? Let's make a start on our first learning cycle.

What are the effects of drugs on decision-making? A drug is any substance that changes the way a person's mind and or body works.

Dr.

Elsie says that many drugs are used for medical reasons.

For example, paracetamol is a painkiller which people might take to treat a headache or a toothache.

Drugs to treat medical conditions should only be taken with the permission and supervision of a trusted adult so that dosage instructions are followed carefully.

This refers to how much you need to take.

Let's do a check for understanding to see how you're doing so far.

I'd like you to decide if the statement is true or false.

A drug is a substance that changes the way a person's body and or mind works.

What do you think? Is this true or false? Pause the video.

Talk to the people around you or have a think to yourself.

Well done if you say that this is true.

A drug is a substance that changes the way a person's body and or mind works.

Well done if you agreed.

Some people may take illegal drugs for recreational purposes.

Dr.

Elsie says that, "Someone might take an illegal drug because they're curious and they want to know what it feels like." She also says that, "Others might take illegal drugs to temporarily forget about their worries or to give them a false sense of confidence." Taking illegal drugs for recreational purposes is risky and it can negatively affect a person's physical and mental health.

Dr.

Elsie explains that, "It's important to know that peer pressure, social media influence, or wanting to fit in can also play a role in why young people might experiment with drugs.

You might see drugs glamorized online or feel like everyone's doing it, but the reality is often very different.

Understanding these pressures can help you to make informed choices that are right for you.

Remember, that real friends will respect your decisions and won't pressure you into doing something that you are uncomfortable with or goes against your boundaries." Let's do a check for understanding.

Can you finish the sentence? Some people may take illegal drugs for recreational purposes because, A, it gives them a full sense of confidence.

B, it's been prescribed to them by a doctor.

C, they're curious to know what it feels like.

Or D, it temporarily helps them to forget their worries.

What do you think? Pause the video.

Talk to the people around you or have a think to yourself.

Well done if you said that A, C, and D are correct.

Some people may take illegal drugs for recreational purposes because it gives them a false sense of confidence, they're curious to know what it feels like, or it temporarily helps them to forget their worries.

Well done if you got this right.

Our brain is a vital organ which regulates our body's functions.

Drug use can alter the prefrontal cortex, which is the part of the brain that controls our decision-making abilities and inhibitions.

The prefrontal cortex continues developing until around age 25, which means that young people's brains are still growing and maybe more vulnerable to the effects of drugs.

Anyone under the influence of a drug might find healthy decision-making more difficult.

Dr.

Elsie says that drugs such as ecstasy can change brain chemistry, making it trickier for someone to understand the risks around them.

She also says that a person is more likely to do something impulsive or dangerous under the influence of drugs.

Drugs can lower our inhibitions, which means that a person is more likely to say or do something that they wouldn't usually.

Dr.

Elsie says that our inhibitions can be good and helpful as they can help us to regulate our behavior in social settings so that we don't act on impulse.

Under the influence of a drug, however, such as cannabis, a person may behave in a way that they wouldn't normally and this could lead to them regretting this later on.

Let's do another check for understanding.

What two behaviors does the prefrontal cortex part for the brain control? Can you remember? Pause the video, talk to the people around you or have a think to yourself.

Well done if you remember that the prefrontal cortex is the part of the brain that controls decision-making and inhibitions.

Let's move on to our first practice task and well done for your hard work in this learning cycle so far.

I'd like you to complete the paragraph below by filling in the missing words.

A drug is a substance which changes the way a person's blank and or mind works.

Some people take illegal drugs for blank reasons, which can affect their physical and blank health.

Drug use can alter the prefrontal cortex of the blank, which controls blank and inhibitions.

This means that a person under the influence of drugs is more likely to do something dangerous or behave in a way that they later blank.

Where I said the word blank, can you decide which word is missing? Pause the video and we'll go through the completed paragraph in a few minutes.

Okay, let's see what you might have said.

Your completed paragraph should look like this.

A drug as a substance which changes the way a person's body and or mind works.

Some people take illegal drugs for recreational reasons, which can affect their physical and mental health.

Drug use can alter the prefrontal cortex of the brain, which controls decision-making and inhibitions.

This means that a person under the influence of drugs is more likely to do something dangerous or behave in a way that they later regret.

Well done if your paragraph looked like this.

We're now moving on to our second learning cycle.

How are drugs linked to risky sexual behavior? For many consenting adults, engaging in sexual activity is an expression of a healthy, intimate relationship.

A healthy intimate relationship should be based on many things such as consent, respect, trust, communication, and boundaries.

Let's do a check for understanding to see how you're doing with this learning cycle.

What sorts of things should a healthy intimate relationship be based on? I've already put consent for you.

What's missing? Pause the video.

Talk to the people around you or have a think to yourself.

Well done if you said that healthy intimate relationship should be based on consent, respect, trust, communication, and boundaries.

Well done if you got this right.

Everyone has the right to feel safe and respected in a intimate relationship.

Dr.

Elsie explains that, "When people take part in sexual activity, it's vital that they each give their full consent throughout, not just before.

This means that they have the choice to decide whether they participate or not and they're not pressured into doing anything that makes them feel uncomfortable." They can also say, stop at any time.

A person who's heavily under the influence of a drug cannot legally give their consent.

Dr.

Elsie continues.

She says, "Consent must be ongoing and it can be withdrawn at any time.

Just because someone agreed to something once doesn't mean that they've agreed forever and they can change their mind at any time.

Both people should feel comfortable checking in with each other throughout, such as asking, 'Is this okay?' If someone changes their mind or says no or just doesn't seem sure, that decision must be respected immediately and interpreted as them not giving consent.

Consent should always be enthusiastic and freely given.

If someone seems uncertain or unable to communicate clearly, that's not consent." Let's take a look at a scenario so that we can understand consent a little bit better.

Noah and Steph are at a party.

Earlier in the evening, when they were both sober, Steph agreed to dance with Noah.

Later, Steph has been smoking cannabis and seems drowsy and unsteady.

Noah asks if she wants to go somewhere quieter and Steph shrugs and says, 'I guess' in a quiet, uncertain voice.

In this scenario, clear consent has not been given.

Although Steph agreed to dance earlier, consent must be ongoing.

Agreeing to one thing doesn't mean agreeing to everything.

Steph is also under the influence of drugs and cannot legally give consent.

Furthermore, her response is uncertain and hesitant.

Let's do a check for understanding to see how you're doing.

I'd like you to read the scenario and decide has clear consent been given? Jenny and Chris are at a friend's house.

Neither of them has taken any drugs.

Chris asks, Jenny, "Is this okay? Do you want to continue?" Jenny says, "Yes, I'm happy." A few minutes later, Jenny says, "Actually, I want to stop." Chris immediately stops and says, "No problem." Has clear consent been given in this situation? Pause the video.

Talk to the people around you or have a think to yourself.

Well done if you said that clear consent was given, neither person was under the influence of drugs, so they were both able to give consent legally.

Chris checked in with Jenny and she gave enthusiastic consent.

When Jenny withdrew her consent by saying that she wanted to stop, Chris respected her decision immediately.

Well done if your answer was something like this.

Risky sexual behavior is any sexual contact which could lead to unintended negative consequences for those involved.

Dr.

Elsie says that unprotected sexual intercourse is one example of risky sexual behavior and that unprotected sexual intercourse, for example, without a condom, could increase the chances of an unintended pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections.

Dr.

Elsie says that risky sexual behavior could also include sexual contact without consent.

Sexual contact without consent includes sexual assault or rape.

Both of these are very serious criminal offenses which carry severe legal consequences, including time in prison.

Dr.

Elsie says that risky sexual behavior can also impact relationships and our mental health.

Negative sexual experiences can result in low self-esteem or even anxiety.

They could also lead to a breakdown in trust within relationships.

Let's do another check for understanding, and this time I'd like you to finish this sentence.

Risky sexual behavior could increase the chances of A, intended pregnancy.

B, sexually transmitted infections.

C, unintended pregnancy.

Or D, sexual contact with consent.

What do you think? What could risky sexual behavior increase the chances of.

Pause the video.

Talk to the people around you or have a think to yourself.

Well done if you said that B and C are correct.

Risky sexual behavior could increase the chances of sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy.

It could also increase the chances of sexual contact without consent.

Well done if you remembered this.

People are more likely to take part in risky sexual behavior if they're under the influence of drugs.

Dr.

Elsie says that when the decision-making part of the brain is affected by drugs, a person is less likely to be able to think clearly enough to make an accurate judgment of whether sexual contact is safe for them, or if it's something that they can give their full consent to.

By lowering a person's inhibitions, drugs can make people act in a way that they wouldn't usually.

Dr.

Elsie says that some people might think that drugs make them feel more socially or sexually confident.

However, when our inhibitions are lowered, it can lead to involvement in sexual activities, which a person then later goes on to regret.

Drug use can also make it harder to recognize warning signs or unsafe situations, and it can affect a person's ability to communicate their boundaries clearly.

Let's do another check for understanding.

Is this statement true or false? People are less likely to take part in risky sexual behavior if they're under the influence of drugs.

What do you think? Is this true or false? Pause the video.

Talk to the people around you or have a think to yourself.

Well done if you said that this is false, but why? You might have said that People are more likely to take part in risky sexual behavior if they're under the influence of drugs.

This is because their decision making ability is affected and their inhibitions are lowered.

Well done if you said something like this.

We're now going to look at a few ways to avoid risky sexual behavior.

So first of all, someone can go out with trusted friends so that they can all look after each other.

They can get full consent before engaging in sexual contact.

They can carry a condom to reduce the risk of unprotected sex, and this is important regardless of gender.

They can also have clear boundaries and practice using assertive language.

They can also plan ahead about how they'll get home safely.

And they can avoid situations where they might feel pressured to use drugs or alcohol.

While these strategies can help us to stay safer, it's vital to remember that if someone experiences harm, it's never that person's fault.

The responsibility of the harm always lies with the person who caused it.

We're now going to talk a little bit about boundaries.

Boundaries are like an imaginary line, separating what a person will or won't allow.

Dr.

Elsie says that, "Using assertive language can help a person to respectfully communicate their rights, needs and boundaries.

Some examples of assertive phrases include, 'This is not okay for me," or 'I don't feel comfortable with this,' or 'Stop.

'" Remember that you never owe anyone an explanation for your boundaries.

Saying No or just I'm not comfortable is enough, and this should be respected.

If you're worried about yourself or someone that you know, it's really important to get support.

Dr.

Elsie reminds us that help is always available.

You can speak to a trusted adult such as a parent, carer, or a member of staff at school so that you can get the support that you need.

You can also contact organizations such as Childline on 0800-1111.

Or an organization called The Mix, who can offer confidential support for young people.

Remember, that if you're not heard the first time when you talk to a trusted adult, it's important to keep asking until a different trusted adult listens.

Let's do another check for understanding to see how you're doing.

Which of these might help people to avoid risky sexual behavior? A, going out with trusted friends.

B, being under the influence of a drug.

C, having unclear boundaries.

Or D, practicing assertive language.

Which of these might help people to avoid risky sexual behavior? Pause the video.

Talk to the people around you or have a think to yourself.

Well done if you said that A and D are correct.

To help people to avoid risky sexual behavior, it's a good idea to go out with trusted friends and practice assertive language.

Well done if you said the same thing.

We're now moving on to our final practice task and well done for your hard work in this lesson.

For this task, I'd like you to answer the following questions.

Number one, I'd like you to give two examples of risky sexual behavior.

Number two, what are two possible consequences of risky sexual behavior? And finally, I'd like you to explain at least three ways in which people can avoid risky sexual behavior.

Pause the video and we'll go through some model answers in a few minutes.

Okay, let's see what you might have said.

For the first task, give two examples of risky sexual behavior.

You might have said that risky sexual behavior could include sexual contact without consent or unprotected sexual intercourse.

So for example, without using a condom, which can help to protect against STIs and unintended pregnancy.

For question two, what are two possible consequences of risky sexual behavior? You might have said that risky sexual behavior can increase the chances of an unintended pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections.

For task three, explain at least three ways in which people can avoid risky sexual behavior.

You might have said, going out with trusted friends so that they can look out for each other.

Getting full consent before engaging in sexual contact, carrying a condom to ensure that unprotected sexual activity is not a risk, and having clear boundaries and practicing assertive language are always to avoid risky sexual behavior.

Well done if your answers look to anything like this.

We are now going to summarize the key learning from today's lesson.

In today's lesson, we've learned that everyone has the right to feel safe and respected in a healthy, intimate relationship, and people must be able to give their full consent before taking part in any sexual activity.

A person cannot legally give consent if they're under the influence of drugs or alcohol to the extent that they're unable to make informed decisions.

We've learned that recreational drug use can affect the part of the brain that controls our decision-making abilities and our inhibitions.

We've learned that drug use is more likely to lead to risky sexual behavior and that a few ways to avoid risky sexual behavior include going out with trusted friends and having clear boundaries.

During today's lesson, you might have found that you've got some worries or questions, and if you do, it's really important you share these with a trusted adult.

There's also some resources on the screen that are there to help you, too.

<v ->Well done for your fantastic hard work today.

</v> I hope to see you again soon.