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Illicit Substance Use, Poly Use, Game Playing and Increased Vulnerability

aNorthumbria University, UK
bIndependent Trainer and Consultant, UK

Understanding Safeguarding for Children and Their Educational Experiences

ISBN: 978-1-80262-710-7, eISBN: 978-1-80262-709-1

Publication date: 17 June 2022

Abstract

Illicit substance use can have a detrimental effect on a young person's life, abilities, psychosocial well-being, educational participation, attainment and outcomes. It is associated with and can lead to increased vulnerability and be a serious safeguarding concern. This chapter explores the concept of illicit substance as a process of ‘normalisation’ among children and young people. It also explores the concept of ‘game playing’, poly and tertiary substance use and considers some of the implications of illicit substance use and of young people becoming involved in ‘County Lines’. Understanding the nature, scale, extent and consequences of illicit substance use, and how young people are portrayed and stigmatised by those around them are important in relation to responding appropriately to need, and in assessing safeguarding concerns. This chapter will also discuss these concerns and conclude by critically considering the implications of illicit substance use for teachers and schools, whilst considering appropriate responses which identify and reduce risk.

Keywords

Citation

McInnes, A. and Ventress, N. (2022), "Illicit Substance Use, Poly Use, Game Playing and Increased Vulnerability", McGovern, W., Gillespie, A. and Woodley, H. (Ed.) Understanding Safeguarding for Children and Their Educational Experiences, Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 129-139. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-80262-709-120221013

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2022 Alison McInnes and Neil Ventress. Published under exclusive licence by Emerald Publishing Limited