School Drug Policies

Young people, in particular those under the age of 25, can suffer far-reaching mental, physical, social, and legal consequences for substance use. The responsibility for assisting them to make healthy choices is best approached with multifaceted strategies that include the family, school, and community. A school's alcohol and other drug policy represents the framework for efforts in the school to address student alcohol and other drug use; serves to guide prevention efforts; establishes boundaries of application, expectations, and normative values for student behavior; details the school's procedures in handling incidents with consequences; and empowers adults responsible for students in the district. It is essential that the school send the message to young people and adults alike that the use, possession, and intent to supply illegal ...