Anti-drugs lessons in schools may encourage pupils to try illegal substances rather than steer clear of them , Government experts have warned . The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs said there was evidence that raising awareness could be counter-productive . Its report said prevention classes that have been taught for generations were ‘ ineffective at changing behaviour ’ and ‘ may even increase the risk of drug use ’ . Scroll down for video . Anti-drugs lessons in schools may encourage pupils to try illegal substances rather than steer clear of them , Government experts have warned ( file picture ) The board , which hit the headlines in 2009 after its then-chairman Professor David Nutt was fired for suggesting that alcohol and tobacco were more harmful than many illegal drugs , passed its findings to Home Secretary Theresa May last month , the Daily Telegraph reported . It urged the government to cut funding unless there is good evidence that anti-drugs initiatives , such as 2003 ’ s ‘ Talk to Frank ’ campaign are working . The report also said that hard-hitting school talks by policemen may make drugs appear ‘ sexy ’ to teenagers , while adverts that intended to conjure a ‘ fear ’ of drugs were also criticised as potentially counter-productive . Many schools have already switched to behaviour-led measures that help children to avoid peer pressure , but experts have urged for faster and more wide-covering progress . Its report said prevention classes that have been taught for generations were ‘ ineffective at changing behaviour ’ and ‘ may even increase the risk of drug use ’ ( file picture ) However , the report does concede that there is growing evidence of the importance of teaching drug prevention as part of a broader strategy to improve national health . A Home Office spokesman said : ‘ Preventing and reducing drug misuse is a key part of our drug strategy and there are positive signs our approach is working . ‘ There has been a long term downward trend in drug use over the last decade , the number of heroin and crack cocaine users in England continues to decline , and more people are recovering from their dependency now than in 2009-10 . ‘ Our evidence-based approach recognises the importance of having a range of prevention initiatives to give individuals the confidence to resist drugs . We welcome the ACMD ’ s advice on this important issue . ’
Experts warn anti-drugs lessons may encourage pupils to try substances . Raising awareness could be counter-productive , Advisory Council on Home said . The board passed its findings to the Misuse of Drugs Secretary Theresa May last month .