In previous briefing papers, Mentor looked at the impact of new psychoactive substances on public health and drugs education. Schools and practitioners should also update their drugs policy to take account of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS).

Every school’s drugs policy should include new psychoactive substances (NPS), formerly known as “legal highs,” as these drugs have had harmful effects on young people and some school communities. Schools have a statutory obligation to protect the welfare of their students, so they must maintain accountability by updating their drugs policy accordingly, particularly considering increasing numbers of school exclusions related to drugs and alcohol.

Briefing papers are part of a series produced by Mentor-ADEPIS on alcohol and drug education and prevention, for teachers and practitioners.