Teachers Warn of Rising Substance Abuse and Mental Health Issues Among Young Students

Teachers in the UK have reported increasing concerns over substance abuse and mental health issues among young students, citing the use of cannabis, energy drinks, and online gambling as major concerns. A survey by the NASUWT teachers' union found that nearly one in five teachers are aware of pupils using cannabis in schools, while 71% reported students consuming high-caffeinated energy drinks during the school day. The survey also revealed that teachers are seeing students who are tired, volatile, and lethargic, with some kids staying up all night gambling or using online substances.

Key Takeaways:

• 19% of teachers are aware of pupils using cannabis in schools, with other substances including spice (9%), ketamine, and cocaine (5%) also consumed on school premises.
• 71% of teachers reported pupils drinking highly caffeinated energy drinks during the school day, contributing to tiredness, volatility, and lethargy.
• 13% of teachers are aware of students using nicotine pouches, while 4% reported use of nitrous oxide in schools.
• 7% of staff are aware of kids drinking alcohol, and 6% are aware of students using gambling websites or apps outside of school (24% when outside of school).
• Teachers reported kids being tired, volatile, and lethargic, with some kids staying up all night gambling or using online substances.
• Teachers also reported issues with pupils showing a lack of ambition, being introduced to the idea that drug-taking is cool and harmless, and experiencing irritability, mood swings, and erratic behavior.

Statistics:

• 19% of teachers are aware of pupils using cannabis in schools.
• 71% of teachers reported pupils drinking highly caffeinated energy drinks during the school day.
• 13% of teachers are aware of students using nicotine pouches.
• 4% of teachers report use of nitrous oxide in schools.
• 7% of staff are aware of kids drinking alcohol.
• 6% of teachers are aware of students using gambling websites or apps outside of school (24% when outside of school).
• 3,907 teachers participated in the NASUWT survey in January.

Sources:

• NASUWT teachers union
• The Guardian
• PA News Archive
• Getty Images