Suspension level for alcohol abuse 'shocking'

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by Change | 12 Nov 2008

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A "shocking" number of Scottish school children are being suspended due to alcohol-related incidents, it has been claimed.

The number of schoolchildren in Scotland being suspended due to alcohol abuse has been described as "shocking" by a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP).

Labour MSP for north-east Scotland Richard Baker requested the information, which showed the Highland and Argyll and Bute areas were the worst offenders.

Within these districts, 330 children received disciplinary action after misusing alcohol and of these, 33 and 30 pupils respectively were punished with a period of suspension.

Mr Baker says while studies have revealed those of school age are engaging in alcohol abuse, the new figures are "disturbing" as these are incidents occurring within the education system.

"This area of underage drinking has not been talked about, and we need a comprehensive debate," he states.

He continues: "[We need] a strategy that doesn't just focus on those kids who are drinking at weekends or on street corners."

Using examples of children being given alcohol care at the age of five, he reveals two kids under the age of one have received treatment.

In related news, a recent sting caught 57 shops in the Carmarthenshire area selling drink to a 14 and 15 year old.

Organised by undercover trading standards officers, the operation's manager Roger Edmunds called it "disappointing" over half of under-aged buyers succeed in purchasing alcohol.

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