Scores of Norfolk children treated for drug and alcohol use – BBC

Report on Drug Use and Treatment Among Norfolk Schoolchildren

Introduction

This report presents findings on drug use and treatment among schoolchildren in Norfolk, highlighting the implications for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 4 (Quality Education).

Key Findings

1. School Suspensions and Exclusions Due to Drug Use
   • Approximately 270 pupils in Norfolk schools were suspended or excluded for drug-related issues in the past year.
   • 259 pupils, including two primary school children, were suspended for using illicit substances.
   • 11 secondary school children were excluded due to drug use.
2. Access to Drug and Alcohol Treatment
   • 120 young people in Norfolk accessed treatment for drugs and alcohol last year, with nearly half aged under 16.
   • This number represents a slight decrease from 125 cases in 2023-24, contrasting with the national upward trend.
   • Nationally, 16,000 under-18s received drug and alcohol treatment last year, marking a 13% increase from 2023-24.
3. Demographic Details of Those Seeking Treatment
   • 8% of Norfolk children seeking treatment were under 14 years old.
   • 46% were aged 15 or younger.
   • Boys accounted for 80 of the children receiving treatment.
4. Types of Substances Involved
   • Cannabis was the most common substance, with 100 individuals seeking help.
   • Other substances included alcohol (45 cases), benzodiazepines (5), cocaine (10), ecstasy (20), ketamine (25), nicotine (25), and solvent abuse (5).
   • Notably, ketamine abuse cases surpassed ecstasy for the first time, reflecting a national increase in ketamine use.
5. Referral Sources
   • The majority of referrals for drug treatment came from schools and courts.

Concerns and Responses

• Dame Rachel de Souza, Children’s Commissioner, expressed concern over long wait times for treatment and the inequality in access to specialist support, highlighting issues related to SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 3.
• Norfolk County Council affirmed confidence in providing proactive support to children and young people, emphasizing stability in treatment numbers over the past year.
• Fran Whymark, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, reiterated the council’s commitment to maintaining support services.
• The Department of Health and Social Care confirmed its dedication to ensuring access to help and support for individuals with drug or alcohol problems, aligning with SDG 3 objectives.

Implications for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
  • Efforts to provide treatment and reduce drug use among youth contribute directly to improving health outcomes.
  • Addressing substance abuse supports mental health and reduces risks associated with drug dependency.
• SDG 4: Quality Education
  • Reducing drug-related suspensions and exclusions helps maintain educational continuity and supports inclusive learning environments.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
  • Concerns about unequal access to treatment highlight the need to address disparities in health services.

Conclusion

The data underscores the ongoing challenges of drug use among young people in Norfolk and the importance of accessible treatment services. Continued focus on health, education, and equality is essential to meet the Sustainable Development Goals and support the well-being of children and adolescents.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article discusses drug and alcohol use among children and young people, highlighting health issues and access to treatment.
2. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Drug use and suspensions/exclusions in schools affect educational outcomes and the learning environment.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The involvement of courts in referrals for drug treatment and concerns about equitable access to specialist support relate to justice and institutional effectiveness.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.
   • Target 3.4: Reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being (implied through drug treatment).
2. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.1: Ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education (drug suspensions and exclusions hinder this).
   • Target 4.5: Eliminate gender disparities and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training (implied by data on boys and girls in treatment).
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels (concerns about postcode lottery in accessing support).
   • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels (implied by calls for equitable access to treatment).

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicators for SDG 3
   • Number of children and young people suspended or excluded from schools due to drug use.
   • Number of children accessing drug and alcohol treatment services.
   • Age distribution of children accessing treatment (e.g., percentage under 14, under 16).
   • Types of substances for which treatment is sought (cannabis, alcohol, ketamine, etc.).
   • Trends in the number of children seeking treatment over time.
2. Indicators for SDG 4
   • Number of pupils suspended or excluded from schools due to drug use.
   • Gender distribution of children in treatment (e.g., boys accounted for 80 out of 120 children).
3. Indicators for SDG 16
   • Access to specialist support and treatment services (implied by concerns about postcode lottery and waiting times).
   • Referral sources for treatment (schools, courts).

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: bbc.co.uk