Schools can make a difference – often good, sometimes not so much

Like life in general, substance use behaviour is often complex, influenced by a variety of factors. While well intentioned, school communities sometimes contribute to the challenges of growing up (including decisions made about alcohol and other drugs) rather than helping to support young people’s development. Consider these points:

• Schools that have lower levels of student and parent engagement typically have more disengaged students who may use substances as a way to fit in or express themselves.

• Unsafe schools, whether physically and/or emotionally, may lead to students using substances to facilitate protective friendships with substance-using peers. 

• Unsupportive schools can increase anxiety, isolation and other triggers that may drive a student to use substances as a form of self-medicating.

• Punitive policies (such as suspensions) often leave young people feeling less connected and more vulnerable than they were at the outset.

On a more positive note, students who are well connected to teachers and peers within the learning environment develop better mental health, have reduced involvement in health risk behaviours (including but not limited to substance use) and are more motivated to learn and achieve higher academic performance.