Drugs and risky sexual behaviour
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain the impact of drugs on decision-making and risky sexual behaviour.
Key learning points
- Drugs impair cognitive functions, including decision-making and memory.
- Risky sexual behaviours are more likely when under the influence of drugs.
- Clear strategies can help avoid risky situations involving drugs and sex.
Keywords
Drug - a substance that changes the way bodies and brains work
Consent - in this context, a voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity which cannot be legally given when someone is heavily under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Decision-making - the process of making choices, which can be negatively affected by drugs or alcohol
Risky sexual behaviour - sexual activities which could lead to an increased chance of STIs, unintended pregnancy or feelings of regret
Inhibitions - the body’s way of regulating words and actions, which are reduced or removed under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Common misconception
Drugs and alcohol have no impact on consent.
Drugs and alcohol can make it hard for people to give clear consent because they affect judgement and lower inhibitions.
Teacher tip
Consider discussing: Why might some people feel pressure to use substances in social or intimate situations? How can we challenge the myth that drugs or alcohol are needed to feel confident or have fun? What healthy alternatives exist for managing social anxiety or building genuine confidence?
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sexual violence
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of mental health issues
Depiction or discussion of mental health issues
Depiction or discussion of sexual content
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.A is a substance that changes the way bodies and brains work.
Q2.Match the drug to where it might be found.
cigarettes
tea, coffee and energy drinks
beer, wine and spirits
Q3.A loss of control over doing, taking or using something, even when it is harmful is an:
Q4.Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a dangerous criminal offence because it:
Q5.Which of the following is an example of peer pressure?
Q6.Which of the following might be long-term consequences of alcohol misuse or drug-taking?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the following words to the correct definitions.
a voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity
the process of making choices
a protective mechanism to restrain words and actions
Q2.Why might people choose to take illegal drugs?
Q3.The prefrontal cortex of the brain controls and inhibitions.
Q4.Which of the following statements are correct?
Q5.Put these phrases in order from the most assertive to the least.
Q6.Which of the following can help people to avoid risky sexual behaviour?
To help you plan your 10 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Drugs and risky sexual behaviour, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Drugs and risky sexual behaviour, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 RSHE (PSHE) lessons from the Healthy intimate relationships: What influences risky sexual behaviour? unit, dive into the full secondary RSHE (PSHE) curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.