Substance Use on the Rise in UK Schools
A survey conducted by the UK teachers' union NASUWT, involving 3,900 teachers, reveals that drug and alcohol use among students has become a serious issue within schools. According to the findings, 18% of teachers reported witnessing cannabis use on school premises. Additionally, 13% observed the use of nicotine pouches, 9% saw students using synthetic drugs such as "spice", 7% noted alcohol consumption, and 5% reported encounters with harder substances like cocaine or ketamine.
Beyond school grounds, 57% of teachers said they had observed cannabis use, while 5% had seen alcohol use among pupils. One of the most widespread habits reported was energy drink consumption, with 74% of teachers stating that students regularly consumed these beverages during the school day.
NASUWT’s acting General Secretary, Matt Wrack, warned that these substances contribute to behavioural problems such as lack of concentration, sudden outbursts of anger, and a decline in motivation to learn.
The union is calling for every school to have a dedicated pastoral care professional and for a ban on energy drinks containing more than 150mg of caffeine for pupils under the age of 16. The Department for Education stated that it supports schools in tackling the use of illegal substances and noted that disciplinary action or police involvement may be used when necessary.
Country: United Kingdom Keywords: Drug Use, Student Behavior, Energy Drinks, School Safety