This document describes an online resource called "Prevention-Smart Parents" that provides e-learning modules to help parents prevent drug misuse in their children. The program aims to develop expertise for parents and caregivers, especially in developing countries. It consists of short chapters covering various drug-related topics designed to actively engage users. The chapters include cartoons, quizzes and parenting tips. Feedback has been positive about the evidence-based, easy to understand and universally appealing content.

1. prevention-smartparents An Online Resource for Parents to Protect Their Children from Drug Misuse

2. Why? There is a demand and need particularly from developing countries for parents and caregivers to receive further help and support in the field of prevention The need is to develop human resource capability and expertise Specifically to enable key 'agents of prevention' to make a meaningful and effective contribution to preventing drug misuse February 2010 The Mentor Foundation 2

3. “ Research shows that parents and caregivers have the greatest influence on their children’s lives and prevention-smart parents focuses directly on providing them the support they need ”

4. What? An online e-learning programme consisting of modules developed, monitored and supported by Mentor’s international team of scientific experts Targeted at parents, caregivers and members of the young person’s extended family Provides an opportunity to learn the basics of drug misuse prevention through the medium of the Internet Designed to actively engage users and provide practical resources for parents and caregivers to use at home with their children February 2010 The Mentor Foundation 4

5. Homepage

6. Chapters You Are Not Alone! Why Do Teenagers Act the Way They Do? What You Need to Know About Drugs What You Need to Know About Alcohol and Tobacco What You Need to Know About Cannabis Why Do Some Kids Use Drugs? How Do I Protect My Child From Drugs? Communication, Discipline, and Support Does Media Make a Difference? What to Do if My Teenager is Using Drugs February 2010 The Mentor Foundation 6

8. Cartoons and animations featuring ‘Mentor Man’

9. Straightforward language targeted at parents needsFebruary 2010

11. Test your knowledge and intuition with simple quizzes

12. The ‘correct’ answer is always fully explainedFebruary 2010

14. Provide more depth for parents who want it without making chapters too longFebruary 2010

16. Links are provided to other online resources for further reading

17. There is also an opportunity for parents to test themselves

18. Certificate for parents who complete all chapter reviewsFebruary 2010

19. Community A forum is provided for parents to discuss the chapters and provide each other with assistance Site news, updates and interesting emerging prevention science provided via a blog and newsletter for registered users Potential for translation and localisation by regional partners Future opportunity for use of social networks and user-generated content The Mentor Foundation 11 February 2010

20. Feedback Seeking feedback for continuous improvement Initial feedback has been largely positive: The Mentor Foundation 12 February 2010

21. “ I am thrilled because it is a fantastic tool…I will promote Prevention-Smart Parents to family members in hope that they may feel more confident/knowledgeable to manage substance issues within the home environment ” Young Persons Substance Misuse Service Manager, HMP YOI Ashfield, UK

22. “ We are absolutely impressed with the obvious evidence base to the site, the prevention frameworks which underpin the content, the language and, it seems, the universality of the content ” Drug Strategy Project Officer, Department of Education and Children's Services, S. Australia

23. Feedback Seeking feedback for continuous improvement Initial feedback has been largely positive: Evidence-based Easy to understand Universal appeal Open to opportunities to further develop and integrate content: The Mentor Foundation 15 February 2010

24. “ As a school social worker and addiction specialist, I found your website quite innovative and helpful.I would love to find a way to integrate it into our prevention efforts at school. ” Social Worker, Jericho School District, New York

25. Feedback Seeking feedback for continuous improvement Initial feedback has been largely positive: Evidence-based Easy to understand Universal appeal Open to opportunities to further develop and integrate content Lots of interest in a ‘book’ or classroom-style resources The Mentor Foundation 17 February 2010

26. The Mentor Foundation