Schools - responding to substance use: guidance

Footnotes

1. Throughout this guidance the term ‘school’ (as defined in section 135(1) of the Education (Scotland) Act 1980) means an institution for the provision of primary or secondary education or both primary and secondary education being a public school, a grant-aided school or an independent school, and includes a nursery school and a special school; and the expression ‘school’ where used without qualification includes any such school or all such schools as the context may require.
2. Illegal substances refers to drugs controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Age-restricted substances refer to products which are legal but prohibited for sale to children and young people under 18 (including alcohol, tobacco and vaping products).
3. Vaping and smoking among Scottish adolescents: ASH SmokeFree GB Youth survey 2025 results – gov.scot.
4. Consensus approach on prevention of substance use harm among children and young people.
5. Consistency in approach does not mean the same response should be used for every child or young person in every situation. There should be consistent expectations and boundaries, however, the response when expectations are not met may be different to reflect a child or young person’s specific needs and circumstances. (fostering a positive, inclusive and safe school environment guidance, 2025).
6. Throughout this guidance the term ‘parent’ (as defined in section 135(1) of the Education (Scotland) Act 1980) includes guardian and any person who is liable to maintain or has parental responsibilities within the meaning of section 1(3) of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 in relation to, or has care of a child or young person.
7. As set out in section 2A of the Standards in Scotland’s Schools etc. Act 2000.
8. Substance use is one of the ten priority areas for school nurses: Specialist school nursing: priority areas and pathways – gov.scot.
9. Families Affected by Drug and Alcohol Use in Scotland: A Framework for Holistic Whole Family Approaches and Family Inclusive Practice (www.gov.scot)
10. Coronavirus (COVID-19) Children and Families Collective Leadership Group – holistic family support: vision and blueprint for change – gov.scot