Summary: An attempt was made to assess the effects of drug education. A questionnaire study of schoolboys receiving talks showed that an informal discussion which allows adequate time for topics raised by the pupils is probably far better than a formal lecture. The majority of pupils were found to be antagonistic to the use of hard drugs.No evidence was found to suggest that informal talks made the pupils more sympathetic to drug use. Talks should aim at reinforcing negative attitudes which most pupils already possess with regard to hard drugs. However, it seems to be more important to allow free discussion about soft drugs such as sedatives, stimulants and cannabis, towards which children may be more sympathetic.