If you haven’t already reviewed our information on youth marijuana use — including reasons for use, ways it’s used and the impact of legalization — it’s a good place to start before diving into your specific role as an educator.
Communicate to students the school’s drug-related policies and the consequences of violating these policies. Marijuana use is illegal for all youth, regardless of its legal status in a given state.
While it is within your rights to discipline students who break the law, it is important to address youth substance use as a health rather than a behavior or disciplinary issue. First, try talking with the student. Aim to understand their motivation for using marijuana. Instead of rushing to punitive measures, a health-driven approach may be more effective in eliminating risky behaviors and helping them turn to healthy alternatives.
By using evidence-based practices, schools can support the development of life skills that decrease risk and help delay the onset of substance use. The National Institute on Drug Abuse details essential principles of prevention for youth. These include, but are not limited to:
Aim to be an informed and reliable source of information about marijuana and other substances. As a result, students may turn to you instead of less credible sources like peers, social media, popular culture or advertisements.
Young people often respond better to their peers than from teachers or other adults. In other words, peer-to-peer intervention works. It can help successfully sway youth attitudes about marijuana use and promote protective strategies among students. You can teach these strategies through role-playing and other activities.
Schools often are at the center of their community and an essential resource for families. Your ability to collaborate with families and other community systems can create a unique environment that promotes and reinforces healthy adolescent behavior. Substance use prevention programming and other educational resources can and should reach the entire school community. The result is an informed base of parents and a safe body of students. Therefore, whenever possible, information shared with students about marijuana use should also be provided to families and caregivers.
Work with community organizations to provide fun and substance-free activities for students. These adult-supervised events allow students to socialize, have fun and take healthy risks without marijuana and other substances.
Educating students about marijuana use and bolstering skills to resist it are essential components of effective prevention. However, what happens in their home and community plays a major role in a student’s risk for marijuana use and in getting needed help should they develop a problem.
Data can help inform your activities and policies around intervention. Collect data on the types of addictive substances students use and track trends in use. You can then address emerging trends and adjust policies and practices to best meet student needs.
A valuable resource to share with parents, our talk kit includes guidance on how to talk with one’s child about marijuana in a productive and non-confrontational way.
Through screening of all students, and especially those at risk, identify those in need of help. If they need services and counseling beyond those available within the school, be ready with referrals to quality professional counseling and treatment within the community. School professionals can serve as a source of positive reinforcement and support for students in need of help or treatment for substance-related problems.
It is important to identify students who use marijuana or may experience marijuana-related problems, regardless of when and where it happens. Schools can help guide them toward the help they need. Some of the more common signs include:
For students suspected of marijuana use, establish specific protocols for involving the student’s family. First, make reliable local referrals to students and their families for professional assistance. Second, reconsider suspension and punishment to ensure students understand the consequences of their substance use on their health, well-being, education and family. Above all, students should feel comfortable coming forward to seek help from trusted adults.