Educator's guide: teaching the dangers of fake pharmaceuticals
To effectively address the issue of illicit goods in the mail, it's crucial to tackle the root cause - someone is buying the products. This educator's guide is designed to help teachers and parents educate young people about the serious dangers of fake pharmaceuticals.
The guide covers key topics such as the growing issue of fentanyl and fake pills, examines the health implications associated with taking medication from unlicensed providers, and the importance of making informed decisions. It also explores how social media influences buying behaviors, helps students understand the risks involved, and debunks the perceived benefits of purchasing pills online.
Encourage critical thinking about online sales of medications and empower young people to make safe and informed choices.
The activities introduced in this guide are designed to empower young people to "think again" before buying and/or taking pills acquired from anyone outside of a licensed provider.
For more information about this topic, the following resources are available:
- Young Minds Inspired - Fake Pharmaceuticals (a leading provider in the US on free educational outreach programs)
- US Crime Prevention Council
- US FENTANYL PREVENTION AND AWARENESS DAY™
- US Drug Enforcement Administration
- NCPC (US) - Fighting Fentanyl
- NCPC (US) - The Lives Project
- Pfizer
- Pharmaceutical Security Institute
- Alliance for Safe Online Pharmacies (ASOP) Global Foundation