Overview

• Nearly one in five teachers reported pupils using cannabis on school premises, while 9% flagged synthetic cannabinoid spice and 5% noted ketamine or cocaine.
• Alcohol, nicotine pouches and nitrous oxide were also consumed in schools and 71% of teachers observed students drinking high-caffeine energy drinks.
• Teachers said substance-affected pupils often arrive tired, volatile and disengaged, correlating with a rise in disruptive and violent incidents.
• Six per cent of teachers were aware of pupils accessing gambling apps at school, with usage climbing to almost a quarter outside school hours.
• The union wants a school-based counsellor in every school, a ban on energy drinks for under-16s, joint action with health, police, youth justice services to tackle the issue, plus research into online gambling exposure.