Classes hit by alcohol and drugs abuse, warn teachers

A HIGH level of alcohol and drug abuse among second-level students is disrupting classes, it was warned yesterday.

Second-level teachers are demanding support to deal with a growth in disruptive and threatening behaviour from students.

Disruptive behaviour as a result of drug or alcohol abuse was particularly problematic on Monday mornings, said Susie Hall, president of the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI). Teachers' representatives have already held several meetings with senior officials from the Department of Education to discuss behavioural problems in schools.