All children and young people need the opportunity to make safe, healthy and responsible decisions about drugs, both legal
and illegal. Schools play a central role in helping them make such decisions by providing education about the risks and effects
of drugs; by developing their confidence and skills to manage situations involving drugs; by creating a safe and supportive
learning environment; and ensuring that those for whom drugs are a concern receive appropriate support.
Schools are being encouraged to have;
- A well planned drug education programme which takes account of the needs of pupils so that teaching is relevant and engaging
- A drug policy developed in consultation with the whole school community which outlines the school’ response to all drug matters
- Strategies in place to identify and support young people for whom drugs may be a problem
- Staff who are confident and skilled in addressing drug issues.