What do young people really think about alcohol — and how is drinking talked about among students today?

In this episode of Beyond the Buzz, a group of Year 12 students take part in an open and honest conversation about alcohol and the role it can play in youth culture. The discussion explores how alcohol is often referred to using slang terms such as booze, bevs, drinks, pints and shots, and how these casual references can sometimes make drinking seem normalised among young people.

Through thoughtful discussion, the students reflect on the pressures that can exist around parties, social situations and peer expectations. They explore how alcohol is portrayed on social media, in music and within wider youth culture, and how these influences can shape attitudes towards drinking.

The conversation also looks at the potential risks associated with alcohol misuse, including impacts on decision-making, personal safety, mental wellbeing and physical health. Rather than focusing on judgement or fear-based messaging, the episode encourages honest dialogue, critical thinking and informed choices.

Inside this episode

✔ Year 12 students’ perspectives on alcohol and youth culture

✔ Common slang terms and how drinking is talked about among peers

✔ Social media, parties and peer influence

✔ Understanding the risks associated with alcohol misuse

✔ Encouraging safer and more informed decision-making

Produced by Youth Unity as part of the youth-led podcast series Beyond the Buzz, this episode creates space for young people to discuss real issues affecting their lives and encourages open, informed conversations within communities.

This episode was created in collaboration with Change Grow Live – Havering Wize Up, supporting education, awareness and harm reduction approaches around substance use.

⚠️ Sensitive Content Disclaimer

This episode includes discussion about alcohol use and youth drinking culture. The views shared reflect the experiences and perspectives of students within a facilitated educational setting.

The content is provided for education and awareness purposes only and aims to support informed decision-making. Some listeners may find aspects of this conversation sensitive. Listener discretion is advised.

Youth Unity does not promote or encourage substance misuse.

Support and Further Information

If you would like advice or support around alcohol or substance use, help is available:

• Change Grow Live – Havering Wize Up

https://www.changegrowlive.org/service/havering-wize-up

• Talk to FRANK – Honest information about drugs and alcohol

https://www.talktofrank.com

If you are a young person concerned about your wellbeing, consider speaking to a trusted adult, teacher, youth worker or local support service.

In this episode of Beyond the Buzz, Year 12 students take part in an open discussion about lean — a substance often referenced in music and online culture but rarely discussed in terms of its real risks.

The conversation explores what lean is, how it is portrayed culturally, and the slang terms young people may hear such as lean, purple drank, sizzurp, syrup, dirty sprite and purple. Students reflect on how these references can sometimes normalise substance misuse, particularly through social media and music.

Through honest discussion, the group looks at the serious health risks associated with misuse, including the dangers of combining substances and the potential impact on physical and mental health. The episode encourages young people to question what they see online, challenge misconceptions, and better understand the real-world consequences associated with misuse.

Rather than using judgement or fear-based messaging, the conversation focuses on education, awareness and informed decision-making.

Inside this episode

✔ What lean is and how it is talked about in youth culture

✔ Slang terms and how they appear in music and social media

✔ The health risks associated with misuse

✔ How cultural references can influence perceptions

✔ Encouraging informed choices and critical thinking

Produced by Youth Unity as part of the youth-led podcast series Beyond the Buzz, this episode provides a platform for young people to discuss real issues affecting their lives and to promote open, informed conversations within communities.

⚠️ Disclaimer

This episode includes discussion of substance misuse and associated health risks. The content reflects the views shared by students within a facilitated educational setting and is provided for education and awareness purposes only. Listener discretion is advised.

If you or someone you know needs support around substance use, information and advice is available through:

• Change Grow Live – Havering Wize Up

https://www.changegrowlive.org/service/havering-wize-up

• Talk to FRANK – Honest information about drugs

https://www.talktofrank.com

Young people concerned about their wellbeing are encouraged to speak to a trusted adult, teacher, youth worker or support service.

What do older students really think about cannabis — and how is it talked about in schools and youth culture?

In this episode of Beyond the Buzz, a group of Year 12 students take part in an open and honest conversation exploring cannabis and the way it is often discussed among young people. The discussion looks at what cannabis is, why it is so commonly talked about, and the different slang terms young people may hear such as weed, skunk, bud, grass, ganja, hash, zoot, spliff and loud.

Through thoughtful discussion, the students reflect on how cannabis appears in music, social media and peer conversations, and why curiosity, perception and peer influence can sometimes shape attitudes towards it. The group also explores the difference between myths and facts around cannabis use, including potential impacts on health, mental wellbeing, concentration and decision-making.

Rather than focusing on judgement or fear-based messaging, the episode encourages critical thinking, honest dialogue and informed decision-making, giving young people space to share perspectives and ask questions in a safe and respectful environment.

Inside this episode

✔ Year 12 students’ perspectives on cannabis

✔ Common slang terms and how they appear in youth culture

✔ Myths vs facts about cannabis use

✔ The influence of social media, music and peer conversations

✔ Understanding risks and making informed choices

Produced by Youth Unity as part of a youth voice and creative media programme, Beyond the Buzz provides a platform for young people to discuss real issues affecting their lives while encouraging open and informed conversations within communities.

This episode has been created in collaboration with Change Grow Live – Havering Wize Up, supporting awareness, education and harm-reduction approaches around substance use.

⚠️ Sensitive Content Disclaimer

This episode contains discussion about cannabis and substance use. The conversation reflects the views and perspectives shared by Year 12 students within a facilitated educational setting.

The content is provided for education, awareness and discussion purposes only and aims to support informed decision-making. Some listeners may find aspects of this discussion sensitive. Listener discretion is advised.

Youth Unity does not promote or encourage substance use.

Support and Further Information

If you would like advice or support around cannabis or substance use, the following services can help:

• Change Grow Live – Havering Wize Up

https://www.changegrowlive.org/service/havering-wize-up

• Talk to FRANK – Honest information about drugs

https://www.talktofrank.com

If you are a young person and feel worried about your health, safety or wellbeing, please consider speaking to a trusted adult, youth worker, teacher or local support service.