Secondary school counsellors supported pupils in cases involving alcohol, smoking, illegal drugs and problem gambling during the 2023/24 school year. Of the children who received counselling, 37 were referred to specialist treatment centres.
The figures were provided by Education Minister Athena Michaelidou in response to a parliamentary question submitted by MP Sotiris Ioannou concerning the ministry’s action against drug use in schools.
Support for a range of addictions
The 1,282 cases did not relate exclusively to illegal substances. Teachers responsible for counselling and careers education provided support to pupils displaying addictive behaviours linked to alcohol, smoking, illegal drugs or problem gambling.
Michaelidou said the school’s role is primarily preventive, educational and supportive, rather than one of policing or enforcement.
She stressed that a pupil experiencing substance-use problems should not be treated solely as an offender, but primarily as a child who may require assistance, protection, guidance and specialist treatment.
Protocols for drug-related incidents
Since 2020, secondary schools have followed a protocol for preventing and managing incidents involving illegal substances.
The protocol sets out the steps schools must take when they receive information or have suspicions concerning the use, possession or distribution of drugs. It also provides for cooperation with the Drug Law Enforcement Unit and the Cyprus National Addictions Authority.
A second protocol has been in place since 2021, covering the referral of pupils with addictive behaviours to approved treatment programmes.
According to Michaelidou, the process must respect the child’s dignity and personal data. It must also be handled confidentially and without stigmatisation or marginalisation.
Smoking and vaping in schools
Particular attention is being given to smoking and electronic cigarette use. Since 2022, a complete ban on smoking and vaping has applied across all indoor and outdoor school premises.
School administrations have been instructed to strengthen supervision, particularly in areas where incidents are likely to occur, respond immediately to violations and support pupils struggling with smoking or vaping.
The Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth is also working with the Cyprus National Addictions Authority on a new monitoring form for the implementation of the policy.
Schools will use the form to record how the school community has been informed, the supervision measures introduced, reported incidents and any needs identified. The completed forms will be collected by the authority to identify data and trends and develop more targeted interventions.
Prevention and support programmes
The ministry’s prevention policy also includes health education, helping pupils develop skills to manage peer pressure, training teachers and school leaders, and strengthening cooperation between schools, families and the relevant services.
Measures for children considered to be at high risk include creative activity programmes, the Istos programme, which provides support through social workers, and interventions within the Preparatory Apprenticeship programme.
