Pedagogical discourse in the domain of addiction prevention is aimed at encouraging the development of self-respect, self-confidence and positive identity in a child. These qualities are considered to be the first ‘line of defence’ against various negative influences and a possible form of prevention of autoaggressive and socially unacceptable forms of behaviour. This view is reflected in the perception of children as rational and reasonable persons who are capable of reflecting on their experiences and behaviour, and calls for an education based on good relationships and caring, reciprocal communication. This is an approach to education that distances itself from coercion or any kind of subjugation of children, and relies on strengthening the self-regulatory potentials and autonomy of children. This requires a transformation of an educational institution into a place of humane and democratic life, education and learning, which in most cases calls for a complex change on the level of its culture as a whole.
