On the Ethics of Selective Omission and/or Inclusion of Relevant Information in School Drug Education Programs

Abstract

Tradition, community pressures and personal biases can contribute to a drug education program that may be more indoctrination than education. There are some basic ethical issues that need to be clarified with regard to drug education curriculum development.

Ethical justifications for and against the inclusion of all relevant information in drug education programs are discussed. The author concludes that personal autonomy and human dignity should be the preeminent values adhered to when drug education curricula are planned and presented.