EXPULSION OVER DRUGS, ALCOHOL 'NOT ADVISABLE'

SCHOOLS have been advised not to automatically expel students caught in
alcohol-or drug-related incidents.

They have been told that this "ultimate" sanction of expulsion can have the
effect of alienating a student from mainstream sources of help.

It may also result in the student becoming more involved in the culture of
drug misuse.

New guidelines from the Department of Education and Science say schools
should repond to incidents involving alcohol, tobacco and drug use in a
planned and considered way.

In certain cases it may be necessary to seek legal advice and care will be
important in deciding on the balance between a pastoral and a disciplinary
response. Pastoral response to an incident involving alcohol, tobacco and
drug use may include referral to a support agency.

Where a member of staff requires support, schools may consider implementing
an Employee Assistance Scheme.

The guidelines, which are being sent to post primary schools, say the
problem of drug abuse is particularly serious among 16-year-olds. Alcohol
is the dominant drug of misuse in Ireland while the use of tobacco and
other drugs is above the European average.

The Department recommends that a core committee representative of the whole
school community be established to develop a School Substance Use Policy.

Parents/guardians should be informed of what is happening in the school
with regard to the policy from the time of enrolment of the pupil. "It is
recommended that parents and students (aged over 18 years) be asked to sign
a statement to the effect that they have read the policy and agree to be
bound by it," the recommendations say.

The policy should be reviewed regularly. In practice, this process might be
co-ordinated by the core committee in consultation with the wider school
community.

The guidelines point out that the world in which we live presents young
people with many challenges that 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 emotional issues."