CBS Primary School, New Ross - Substance Abuse Policy

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1 CBS Primary School, New Ross Substance Abuse Policy Rationale Why is this policy necessary? The world in which we live presents young people with many challenges which affect their health and well-being. Exposure to alcohol, tobacco, and drugs is part of this reality. Schools need to reflect upon how they might provide for the needs of their student cohort and respond appropriately to what are sometimes sensitive and emotive issues. The Education Act 1998 provides that schools should promote the social and personal development of students and provide health education for them. The National Drugs Strategy Building on Experience 1 is now Government policy and it requires schools to have a substance use policy in place. The recent report from the National Advisory Committee on Drugs entitled Drug use prevention 2 (November 2001) underlines the importance of schools developing substance use policies. The 1999 European School Survey Project on Alcohol and other Drugs (ESPAD) Report 3 highlighted the seriousness of the problem among sixteen year olds in Ireland, as compared to the other 29 ESPAD countries surveyed. Alcohol was identified as being the dominant drug of misuse in Ireland whilst the use of tobacco and other drugs was above the ESPAD average. For the population as a whole, alcohol consumption per capita in Ireland has increased by 41% in the period 1989 to 1999, while the other EU Member States showed either a decrease or a modest increase. Ireland now has the second highest per capita consumption of alcohol in the EU. 4 General 1 Available at 2 Available at 3 Alcohol and other Drug Use among students in 30 European countries. 4 Interim Report of the Strategic Task Force on Alcohol (May 2002). 1

2 The following policy applies to teachers, parents, pupils and all users of the school premises at all times the above are on the school premises and to the activities of pupils on and off the school premises. 1. It is the school policy to provide a safe and secure environment for children to receive their education. 2. The school is concerned for the overall development of every pupil and it is the aim of the school to prepare children for life. 3. The school's approach to pupils experiencing difficulties is multifaceted: -preventing pupils from harming themselves or others -educating pupils in appropriate behaviours -encouraging pupils to look after themselves and others -providing advice and support when needed Aims and Objectives Provide the school with a framework for dealing with substance abuse. Educate pupils in the dangers of substance abuse Education Concerning Substance Abuse 1. This will be done as part of the normal SPHE programme. SPHE lesson plans will be disseminated to teachers once a week throughout the year. 2. Confirmation Class each year will do a module on 'Taking the Pledge' and a speaker will be invited from the PTAA. 3. Outside speakers will be invited to talk to pupils on an occasional basis. 2

3 Management of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drug Related Incidents Pupils Where a pupil is suspected of taking a drug type substance, the matter must be reported immediately to the principal. The principal will make immediate contact with parents and where necessary will furnish a report to the Social Worker. Where a pupil brings an illegal substance on to the school premises, the Gardai and Social Worker will be informed and the matter will be raised at the next Board of Management meeting. Where a pupil brings alcohol or cigarettes on to the school premises, parents will be informed. The said substances will be confiscated and a suspension may be issued. Where it is felt necessary, a report will be sent to the Social Worker. Where a pupil presents with a smell of cigarette smoke from his clothing, parents will be contacted and asked to remove him from the school at the earliest opportunity. The pupil will not be allowed take his place in class. Where a pupil presents displaying apparent effects of alcohol or drugs, the principal will be informed immediately ; parents will be asked to collect the pupils from the school,; a report will be sent to the Social Worker. Where a pupil is suspected of supplying illegal substances or alcohol / cigarettes to other pupils, the Gardai will be informed ; parents will be informed ; a report will be sent to the social worker. 3

4 Management of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drug Related Incidents Adults A staff member presenting under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be allowed take part in his/her normal duties. The matter will be reported to the Chairman of the Board of Management. Such incident would be viewed as a gross breaking of both contract and professional code of conduct. The school operates a No Smoking Policy in accordance with the present national legislation. The school has an enclosed small yard where it is acceptable for staff to smoke. Staff should not smoke in view of pupils either in school or on outside school activities including sporting events and school tours. Parents or visitors to the school are not allowed smoke in the school grounds apart from in the aforementioned enclosed yard. A parent or other adult presenting under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be afforded an interview with any member of staff. He/she will be asked to leave the premises by the principal. Failure to do so, will result in the Gardai being called. A formal letter of complaint will be issued by the Board of Management in such instances and where necessary a legal injunction will be sought to prevent a re-occurrence of such an incident. 4

5 List of useful resources 1 st &2 nd Class SPHE Strand Myself Strand Units Taking care of my body Content Objective 8 Safety and protection Safety Issues Content Objectives 5, Resources Walk Tall 1 st Class P Walk Tall 2 nd Class P.43 47, N.W. Health Ed. Programme (Up and Away) P Bí Folláin P rd & 4 th Class SPHE Strand Myself Strand Units Taking care of my body Health and well-being Content Objectives 4, 5,6 Safety and protection Safety Issues Content Objective Resources Walk Tall 3 rd.class P Walk Tall 4 th.class P N.W. Health Ed. Programme (Out and About) P Bí Folláin P th & 6 th Class SPHE Strand Myself Strand Units Taking care of my body Health and well-being Content Objectives 3,4,5,6 Safety and protection Safety Issues Content Objectives 5, Resources Walk Tall 5 th.class P Walk Tall 6 th Class P N.W. Health Ed. Programme (Look after Yourself) P Bí Folláin P

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