Drugs in schools a ‘serious concern’

THERE has been a rise in the number of times drugs have been seized from children in Dundee schools, new figures have revealed.

Illegal drugs have been seized or confiscated from school premises 12 times in 2015 — in some instances in primary schools.

That compares to fewer than five in primary and secondary schools in 2014.

Today, the city council’s education leader said the revelation was “scary”.

Stewart Hunter, convener of Dundee City Council’s children and families service committee, said the figures were cause for “serious concerns”.

He said: “It’s really scary that drugs have been seized from primary schools in Dundee.

“It’s a cause for serious concern that primary age children have been found in possession of drugs in schools. It’s worrying that drugs are found in secondaries, but even worse in primary schools.

“However, we are working very hard both at primary and secondary level to educate our young people about the dangers of drugs.

“This work will continue and we are reviewing the situation annually.

“We are aware that the figure has risen i n the past year.

“However, we can reassure parents that we are continuing to do all we can to teach children about the dangers of drugs.

“We work hard to keep up to date with what children are using to the extent that we are now also teaching children about the dangers of legal highs as well as alcohol and tobacco.”

Labour’s education spokesman Laurie Bidwell said it was worrying news.

He said: “Obviously, drug misuse is a major part of our city and it’s regrettable that this is also showing up in our schools. I’m sure parents and carers of children are very concerned about any drugs being present in our schools.

“I’m sure our teachers are robustly and responsibly dealing with this when incidents unfortunately do occur. Through the curriculum, our schools will bring in other agencies such as Police Scotland to warn our children of the dangers of taking drugs.”

In 2011 drugs were seized from school 12 times, while in 2012 the figure was eight. It reached a five year high in 2013 when the figure was 22.

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Stewart Hunter