A group of teachers has raised concerns at an apparent rise in drug-related problems at their school including the use of so-called legal highs.
Meanwhile, the island’s Chief Constable says psycho-active substances – often known as legal highs – have become a ‘real and growing problem’ in our secondary schools.
Senior education leaders met with police last week to discuss how to protect young people against the threat, and say ever more vigilance is needed given the easy access to such substances over the internet.
A group describing themselves as a ‘few caring teachers’ at Ballakermeen High School has called for a ‘clear and professional plan’ to deal with the problem.
They contacted Isle of Man Newspapers and said: ‘We are concerned for our students seeing the rise of drugs in our school and the lack of action to do something about it. Something needs to be acted on so precautions and support can be introduced for our students.
‘Sadly it does seem that our management does not wish to deal with the serious problem we are facing but hide it away.’
The teachers, who have decided to remain anonymous for fear of facing disciplinary action, said they had chosen to speak out following a number of suspected drug-related incidents this term.
However, Ballakermeen head teacher Adrienne Burnett said no child had been found under the influence at the school. She said one pupil had been caught by police with an alleged illegal substance outside school and outside school hours but this was one child out of 1,500.
Another case involving alleged legal highs had been denied by the mother of the pupil concerned.
In a statement, the school insisted appropriate procedures were in place.
It said: ‘Ballakermeen High School, in common with all the island’s schools, takes a robust stance on the use of illegal and harmful substances among young people.
‘In line with national guidance, the school has a policy on the issue and this is updated as new threats become a concern.
‘All staff have regular and comprehensive safeguarding training.
‘Through both classroom and pastoral work, the school educates children on the dangers of taking drugs, alcohol and other harmful substances.
‘The welfare of students is always a priority and we continue to do our utmost to protect and educate our young people, liaising with other agencies that offer specialist advice.
‘A small minority of young people will, unfortunately, be tempted or pressurised into trying illegal or harmful substances.’
The statement added: ‘If we suspect a breach of the rules at Ballakermeen, we investigate carefully, take appropriate action and implement the level of support required.
‘When necessary, we work in collaboration with individual parents and carers to offer the student the appropriate guidance and assistance.
‘While these concerns affect a small minority, nevertheless, the increased ease of access via the internet means that we have to be ever more vigilant to protect our young people.
‘Education leaders island-wide are in regular contact over the most effective ways of protecting students and strategies to minimise risk are under constant review. Only last week, senior education leaders met representatives of the Isle of Man Constabulary to discuss the subject.’
Chief Constable Gary Roberts said: ‘There is frequent dialogue at local level between officers and head teachers.
‘Shortly one of the Superintendents will be attending the secondary heads’ conference to discuss various matters. I have no doubt that drugs will be an issue.
‘Controlled drugs as defined in the Misuse of Drugs Act appear not to be the real problem. It is psycho-active substances, which is the new phrase for legal highs. They are a real and growing problem and they are causing problems in secondary schools and in society as a whole.’
The Chief Constable said police do not have statistics on the use of legal highs and it would be difficult to do so given that they are legal.
He added: ‘The police will continue to work with head teachers to help educate young people about drugs, legal or otherwise, and we will take enforcement action when it is necessary.’
Mr Roberts said drugs offences as a whole have increased in the first seven months of the crime recording year.