We understand that the research quoted across our website discusses DARE25, but our current Year Six program is called Life Skills Primary. Although this might seem confusing, they are the same. In 2021, Life Skills Education Charity handed back its license to use the trademarked DARE brand after completing all the research projects we proudly quote. Since then, we have operated under our own name and trademarks, converting DARE25 into Life Skills Primary. This means all the evaluation and research done on DARE25 also supports Life Skills Primary.
Life Skills Primary is an educational program designed to equip young students with essential life skills. It fosters their personal and social development by helping them manage risk and understand consequences. Built on the research from the well-established DARE and DARE25 (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) programs, it has been instrumental in educating children about substance misuse, promoting healthy lifestyles, and managing risk since 1995.
Origins and Evolution
DARE and the subsequent DARE25 Program have a rich history of success, providing evidence-based education to nearly 500,000 students in the UK. The program’s core mission is to empower children to lead safe and healthy lives by making informed decisions. Over the years, DARE25 has evolved to address a broader range of topics beyond drug abuse, including violence prevention, internet safety, and knife and hate crimes.
Building on the foundation of DARE25, Life Skills Primary extends these valuable lessons to young people. Recognizing the importance of early intervention, Life Skills Primary focuses on age-appropriate content that resonates with primary school children from Years One through Six. The program adapts the proven methodologies of DARE25 to suit the developmental stages of younger learners, ensuring the material is both engaging and effective.
Read the Youth Endowment Fund Report
Shared Research and Relevance
The research and evidence supporting DARE25 directly apply to Life Skills Primary. Built from DARE25, Life Skills Primary uses the same evidence-based strategies to ensure effective education.
Key areas of shared research include:
- Behavioural Interventions: Both programs use research on positive behavioural interventions and supports (PBIS) to promote pro-social behaviour and reduce risky behaviours among students.
- Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): SEL principles are central to both DARE25 and Life Skills Primary. Research shows that SEL enhances students’ ability to manage emotions, build positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.
- Preventive Education: Studies highlight the importance of early and continuous intervention. Life Skills Primary introduces preventive measures at a younger age, reinforcing lessons taught in our STaRS Programmes at Key Stage 1 and 2.
- Community and Parental Involvement: Both programs emphasize the role of community and parental involvement. Research indicates that a supportive environment at home and in the community significantly enhances the effectiveness of these programs.
Evolution from DARE25
Life Skills Primary showcases the enduring impact of DARE and DARE25. By adapting DARE25’s successful strategies and research, Life Skills Primary ensures young people receive the foundational skills they need to navigate growing up. The shared research and methodologies between the two programs highlight our commitment to fostering safe, healthy, and informed communities.
