Wednesday 19 August 2026
Our Year 11, 12 and 13 students recently took part in an engaging, eye-opening presentation delivered by Attitude, the youth education presenters. Titled Hardwired the session was expertly facilitated by presenter Jordan Peninsula, who brought great energy and humour to a crucial topic: alcohol, vaping and substance use.
Rather than taking a lecture-style approach, Jordan captivated our senior cohort by looking beyond the physical risks of substances to explore the underlying psychology of youth decision-making. The presentation challenged students to reflect on the 'why' behind their choices, particularly when they are faced with pressure or difficult situations.
Key themes covered during the session included:
- Navigating friendships and fitting In: Examining how social dynamics and the desire for belonging can subtly influence personal boundaries and decision-making.
- Escapism and coping: Recognising the temptation to use alcohol, vaping or other substances as a quick fix to escape stress, emotional discomfort or heavy expectations.
- Boredom and impulse: Addressing how simple boredom can lead to risky experimentation, and discussing healthier alternatives for downtime.
The feedback after the session from both staff and students was overwhelmingly positive. We encourage parents and caregivers to build on the momentum of this presentation at home. Asking your teenager what resonated with them during the Hardwired session is a fantastic way to open up meaningful, non-judgmental conversations around substance use, peer pressure and making safe choices.