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

Background

The guidance forms part of a wider suite of policies aimed at strengthening relationships, behaviour and wellbeing in Scottish schools. It seeks to support schools to respond to substance use in a way that is aligned with GIRFEC, children’s rights and trauma-informed practice, and which recognises the links between substance use, wellbeing, learning, behaviour and safety.

The guidance responds to evidence from the Behaviour in Scottish Schools Research 2023, which identified vaping as an emerging issue in schools and reported increased instances of pupils being under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The research also highlighted the impact of substance use on learning, behaviour, safety and wellbeing, including effects on other pupils and staff.

The guidance sits within the national approach to relationships and behaviour in schools, including the Relationships and Behaviour in Schools Action Plan 2024-27, developed with the Scottish Advisory Group on Relationships and Behaviour in Schools (SAGRABIS) and jointly owned with COSLA.

The Impact Assessment process confirmed that a full EQIA was required, as this is new guidance within an existing national policy framework.