Education secretary Estelle Morris is urging pupils to say "no" to drugs and is setting out plans to "root out" drug dealers operating in schools.

Forum Response: Association of Teachers and Lecturers

Gwen Evans, deputy general secretary of Association of Teachers and Lecturers told ePolitix.com: "While welcoming the government's new found support for schools to take a firm stand against drug dealing, ATL nevertheless cautions against a simplistic view that schools could be expected to solve society's problems.

"Today's pronouncements make it sound all too easy to root out drug abuse. The reality is different: no one will thank the school that expels the innocent as a result of today's dictat. What is needed is a much more considered approach to ensure that schools have sufficient resources to undertake the detailed investigations required rather than doling out summary punishments.

"That means that police too will need enough officers to commit to their share of dealing with allegations of drugs offences on school premises."

Forum Response: National Union of Teachers

Doug McAvoy, general secretary of the National Union of Teachers, told ePolitix.com: "I welcome the backing given by the government to head teachers when it comes to excluding young people who are drug dealers.

"Our recent survey of drugs in schools showed that around 10 per cent of schools were challenged by the threat of drugs at the school gate. But schools cannot tackle the drugs threat on their own. They must have support from the police and social services.

"Shock tactics may have a role in deterring drug use but there is no substitute for genuine joined up thinking which seeks to eliminate the causes of drug use."

Forum Response: Professional Association of Teachers

Jean Gemmell, general secretary of the Professional Association Teachers, told ePolitix.com: "We welcome a greater emphasis on educating children about the dangers of drugs. However, schools must not feel that they have to show this particular video or use only shock tactics.

"Teachers must be able to use their own professional judgement about what and how to teach. They must decide if such material is appropriate for their pupils.

"Head teachers too must have the authority to decide if and when a particular pupil should be excluded.

"Excluded pupils need appropriate care and education. Properly resourced learning support units are vital if we are to keep these pupils off the streets, out of trouble and in education."