Pubdate: Wed, 09 Jul 2014 Source: Sunshine Coast Daily (Australia) Copyright: 2014 APN News & Media Ltd Contact: http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4590 UP TO 70 SUNSHINE COAST STUDENTS SUSPENDED FOR DRUGS NEW figures show Sunshine Coast state schools have busted students with drugs up to 69 times in a year. Education Queensland released the data exclusively to the Daily, with numbers showing between 40 and 69 students were suspended from school in 2013 for misconduct involving an illicit substance. The department spokesman would not narrow down the figures. He said it was a matter of student privacy. Queensland state schools have a zero tolerance policy on drugs. The students busted on the Coast were suspended for up to 20 days. Some were expelled. The figures for 2014 are not yet available. Maroochydore State High School's records for the past four years show drugs have been an ongoing problem. In 2013, there were 14 suspensions for drug-related incidents. The Maroochydore school's worst period was between semester two, 2011, and semester one, 2012, when 27 suspensions were dished out for students involved with drugs. Coolum State High School issued at least seven suspensions for drug incidents last year. Only two of the 12 state schools had no drug suspensions - Kawana Waters State College and Chancellor State College. "If students are caught with drugs at school, principals have every right to suspend or exclude them, or refer the matter to police," an Education Queensland spokesman said. State schools abide by the law at all times when dealing with students found or suspected of possessing drugs, he said. "The department makes absolutely no apologies for taking tough disciplinary action to keep any illicit substances out of our schools," the spokesman said. "Schools have an important role to play in tackling drug use among young people, as do parents, health professionals, police and other agencies." The Queensland Police Service's Sunshine Coast Child Protection Unit has dealt with children as young as 12 caught with drugs. "Cannabis possession in schools is an issue that police take seriously," Detective Senior Sergeant Edward Hackenberg said. "Investigations commence after notification from Queensland schools. "All matters are fully investigated regardless of age. "This may result in investigators executing search warrants at their respective homes, to locate drug or related paraphernalia which may provide evidence in relation to a criminal offence. "Juveniles are dealt with under the provisions of the Youth Justices Act, which may require their appearance at court." Headspace Maroochydore offers support for young people who are going through tough times. Alcohol and other drug services are core to what the organisation offers. However, only 5% of young people accessing Headspace Maroochydore identify alcohol and other drugs as their primary reason for contacting the organisation. Most youth at Headspace Maroochydore say anxiety or depression is their main reason for seeking support. for parents If you suspect a family member is using drugs, think about how to approach them: Calm, respectful and open communication works best Avoid confrontation Resist the temptation to search their room for drugs Choose the right time to talk Listen without judgment Seek help from a friend, drugs counsellor or support group - - Australian Drug Foundation Suspensions due to misconduct involving an illicit substance at Coast state high schools in 2013* Beerwah between 2 and 8 Burnside between 2 and 8 Caloundra 9 Chancellor zero Coolum between 7 and 10 Kawana Waters zero Maleny between 1 and 4 Maroochydore 14 Meridan between 1 and 4 Mountain Creek between 1 and 4 Nambour between 2 and 8 Noosa District between 1 and 4 *A department spokesman claims the exact figures for most Coast schools were made unavailable to protect students' identities - --- MAP posted-by: Matt