EXCLUSIVE: drugs-related suspensions in schools across Northern Ireland, laid bare

By HOLLY WATSON and JAMES GOULD

Nearly 1,000 thousand drugs-related suspensions have been handed out to pupils across Northern Ireland over the last three years - we can reveal today.

Shockingly, a number of incidents involved 11 or 12 year olds.

They also highlight an alarming rise in the number of suspensions during the 2023-24 shcool year.

Figures given to Bauer Media NI (Downtown Radio & Cool FM) from a Freedom of Information request show a huge rise in drugs-related suspensions in schools here during a three-year period starting in 2021

Overall, we can reveal some 852 suspensions were given to pupils attending a wide range of schools.

The Education Authority statistics also show a total of 43 suspensions for pupils in Year 8 which is the year after primary schools ends

Meanwhile, the 408 total suspensions for 2023-24 was the highest of the three years -nearly double the tally for the previous year.

In a statement A spokesperson for the Education Authority (EA) said:

"Drugs misuse among young people is an area of serious concern that requires a comprehensive, collaborative response. The figures released reflect the scale of this challenge facing our schools and wider communities.

“EA’s Education Welfare Service (EWS) works in partnership with the Health and Social Care Trust and voluntary organisations, to support schools and families to address a variety of issues which impact school attendance, including drug misuse.

“Our priority remains the health and wellbeing of all children and young people, with continued focus on prevention and early intervention."

And in a statement the Department of Education said: A Department of Education spokesperson said "substance misuse" was an "are of concern" .

“Any incident which results in the suspension or expulsion of a pupil has an impact on the individuals concerned and the wider school community," he statement said.

"The Department takes a comprehensive approach to deliver drugs education and teaching on the dangers of illegal drugs is a statutory requirement within the Northern Ireland curriculum.

"Pupils are taught about the importance of making good choices and being aware of the effects of drugs on their own and others health. They also explore the concept of health as the development of a whole person and investigate the effects on the body of illegal substances and the risks and consequences of their misuse.

“While the specifics of what is taught, and the programmes used to deliver education on drugs is a matter for individual schools and teachers, CCEA has developed and issued guidance documents and teaching support materials which can be used to improve delivery of education relating to illegal drugs.

"Schools also have the flexibility to work directly with the Public Health Agency, Police Service of Northern Ireland and other organisations to provide learning opportunities in support of delivery of drugs education within the curriculum.

“Additionally, the Department funds iNEQE Safeguarding Group for the provision of the Safer Schools Northern Ireland app which provides information to schools, parents/carers and pupils about a range of safeguarding issues, including alcohol and drugs.

“Of course, the problems of drug abuse do not begin or end at the school gate. Issues in schools are reflective of wider societal issues that education cannot resolve on its own.

"There is also a need for greater access to wraparound services within our communities that go beyond the remit of education. With that in mind, departmental officials are part of the cross-departmental, multi-agency Substance Use Strategy Programme Board which oversees the implementation of the Department of Health’s ‘Preventing Harm, Empowering Recovery’ strategic framework to tackle the harm from substance use.”