Responding to Substance Use (Including Vapes and Other Nicotine Products) in Schools - child rights and wellbeing impact assessment

Conclusion

7. As a result of the evidence gathered and analysed against all UNCRC requirements, what is the potential overall impact of this proposal on children’s rights?

Positive

8. If you have identified a positive impact on children’s rights, please describe below how the proposal will protect, respect, and fulfil children’s rights in Scotland.

The guidance protects children’s rights by promoting safe, healthy school environments and reducing exposure to harm from themselves or others. It respects children and young people’s dignity by avoiding punishment-focused responses, and by avoiding labelling or treating children and young people negatively because of substance use. It ensures children and young people’s views are considered in decisions that affect them. It fulfils children’s rights by supporting access to education, health services and appropriate support, and by embedding article 33 protections within everyday school practice. All rights outlined as potentially impacted in question 2 have been reaffirmed by the evidence gathered.

9. If a negative impact has been identified please describe it below. Is there a risk this could potentially amount to an incompatibility?

No direct negative impacts or incompatibilities with UNCRC requirements have been identified.

10. As a result of the evidence gathered and analysed against all wellbeing indicators, will the proposal contribute to the wellbeing of children and young people in Scotland? (Guidance Section 2.3.2, pages 20-22).

Safe: Yes

Healthy: Yes

Achieving: Yes

Nurtured: Yes

Active: Not Applicable

Respected: Yes

Responsible: Yes

Included: Yes

If yes, please provide an explanation below:

The guidance supports safety, health and inclusion by reducing harm, promoting supportive responses and maintaining engagement in learning. It contributes to children and young people feeling nurtured by emphasising early intervention, relational approaches and the provision of consistent, caring adult support within school communities. The guidance also encourages respectful involvement of children and young people as well as shared responsibility within school communities.

11. How will you communicate to children and young people the impact that the proposal will have on their rights?

Schools and education authorities will communicate expectations and supports through child‑friendly policies, curriculum learning, school councils and accessible information for pupils and families. The guidance encourages co‑production and clear communication in age‑appropriate formats.