www.wiltshire.gov.uk
Information for Teachers and Support Staff
Alcohol and drug education (including tobacco) is part of the national curriculum for key stages 1 - 4. Young people are encouraged to make informed choices about drugs and alcohol to help them develop a healthy lifestyle and to maximise their life chances. Most young people try alcohol at some point, and many will try illegal or controlled drugs. Just because a young person tries drugs does not mean they will go on to develop problems with them.
Research suggests that teaching children about drugs does not encourage them to experiment with drugs and alcohol. Rather, it allows them to consider the risks and make their own decisions based on the facts.
Some young people also experiment with volatile substances, such as glue and solvents. These substances cause more deaths in school age children than illegal drugs, and are particularly linked with the most vulnerable young people.
For some young people, it is their parents’ drug or alcohol use which poses the greatest danger to their health and well being.
If you are worried about a child, another member of staff, or yourself, there are many local and national contacts that provide further advice.
The WCC document “Young People & Drugs: Guidelines for schools”, last updated and sent to all Wiltshire Schools in 2005, contains comprehensive guidance for teachers on
- Drug education
- Managing Drug Related Incidents
- Drug Policy Making
For further support with any drug related issue Wiltshire schools may contact the School Drug Advisers on 01380 733808.
Training, advice and support is provided for Wiltshire schools and those that work with them by the LEA Health Team, who can be contacted on the above number.
If you have any comments or suggestions about the safer schools pages, please send them to saferschools@wiltshire.gov.uk or fill in and return our feedback form.
