Drug use in schools is a growing concern. With the rise of drug use among young people, it’s important to understand the risks and consequences associated with it.

The consumption of drugs can have detrimental impacts on a student’s academic performance, as well as their physical and mental health. Students who use drugs may struggle with concentration and memory, making it difficult to keep up with their coursework.

In most New York City schools, teens use drugs to fit in with a particular group of people or as a sign to be acknowledged by today’s society.

Within Pace, excessive drug use is often happening in the bathroom during school hours. This has brought immediate attention to Pace staff and administration. Some students are exasperated with the use of drugs in school, but others turn a blind to it, which further normalizes it.

Principal Glatz states that the bathrooms are monitored by teachers on hall duty. “And we make visits inside [the bathroom], particularly if there are a large number of students present there.”

Of course, there are not always hall monitors by every bathroom throughout the day.

Some students face challenges in life that mess with them mentally. These challenges consist of generalized anxiety, trauma and depression. The different circumstances of students mentally can impact their image on drug consumption. Those who suffer from mental illnesses are often those who seek an ‘escape’ through drugs.

Marijuana and prescription drugs can often be found on school property. A report by the Center for Disease Control said that 15% of high school students have been known to select illicit or injection drugs which puts their health at a high risk. Marijuana is one of the most commonly found drug in schools today.

An anonymous Pace student said, “I end up having to do work at the end of the marking period because I was doing drugs the entire marking period.”

Additionally, drug use can lead to behavioral problems and disciplinary action, which can further impact a student’s academics.

Drug use in schools is not only a health and safety concern, but it’s also illegal. According to Mr. Glatz, students who are caught in the bathrooms face consequences.

“Our number one priority is to get them back to their classes,” said Mr. Glatz, “but if it is seen as a repetitive action, their family will be alerted to address the matter.”

Drug use can have ethical implications, such as violating school policies and codes of conduct. It’s important for students to understand the ethical consequences of drug use in schools, and to make informed decisions about their behavior.