Addressing student substance use in Canadian schools

An exploration of administrators’ perspectives

Bibliographic Data

ID22945808
AuthorsTonje Molyneux (0000-0002-5789-6210, University of British Columbia), Zachary Daly (0000-0002-8664-7344, University of British Columbia), Chris G Richardson (0000-0002-7641-7027, University of British Columbia), Ashraf Amlani (0000-0002-7692-6008, Bunyaad Public Affairs , 828 Harbourside Drive, North Vancouver, Bc V7P 3R9), Dana Dmytro (0000-0002-0836-0663, University of British Columbia), Nadine Trépanier-Bisson (Ontario Principals’ Council , 20 Queen Street West, Suite 2700, Toronto, ON M5H 3R3), Anne Gadermann (0000-0001-6947-1052, University of British Columbia), Trevor Goodyear (0000-0002-7068-575X, University of British Columbia), Chris Gilham (0000-0003-3286-6258, Faculty of Education, St. Francis Xavier University , 311 Xavier Hall, 4545 Alumni Crescent, Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5), Nathan Ngieng (Abbotsford School District , 2790 Tims Street, Abbotsford, Bc V2T 4M7), Johanna Sam (0000-0002-1170-3938, University of British Columbia), Sherri Moore-Arbour (Bunyaad Public Affairs , 828 Harbourside Drive, North Vancouver, Bc V7P 3R9), Emily Jenkins (0000-0003-4649-2904, University of British Columbia)
Year2025
Volume40
Issue5
Publication date2025-09-03
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueHealth Promotion International (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0957-4824 • E-ISSN: 1460-2245
PublisherOxford University Press (OUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1093/heapro/daaf161
PMID41092219
OpenAlexW4415218901
LanguageEN
References cited35

To support the development of evidence-informed guidance for Canadian Kindergarten through Grade 12 (K-12) school administrators, this study examined their perceptions of the scope of student substance use and the challenges they face in responding within school settings. An online, cross-sectional survey collected data from 204 Canadian school administrators, capturing their experiences and perspectives on student substance use, including the types of challenges encountered, time spent addressing them, perceived capacity to respond, and differences across school levels (elementary, middle, and secondary). Responses from elementary/middle and secondary school administrators were compared in the analysis. Approximately 90% of administrators reported frequent student substance use challenges. The most common challenges were vaping (63.7%) and substance use on school property (41.7%). Secondary school administrators reported significantly more challenges and were more likely to spend in excess of 5 hours weekly addressing substance use. Most administrators reported a willingness to change practices (64.7%), but fewer felt equipped or effective in their current approaches. Student substance use poses a significant challenge for Canadian schools, particularly at the secondary level, increasing administrator workload. Administrators report feeling underprepared and insufficiently supported, despite a willingness to act. Findings highlight an urgent need for developmentally informed, evidence-aligned strategies and resources to support school-based responses to substance use and overall school health promotion.

Feeling · Perception · Public health · School teachers · Scope (computer science) · Substance abuse · Substance use · Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development · Early Childhood Education and Development · Youth Development and Social Support