Teachers: What to Do When You Are Worried About a Student

Mission Sambhav | Prevention

Added 31 October 2026. Clinical review pending.

Respond to concerns privately, supportively and through proper safeguarding channels.

A student may become withdrawn, miss classes or struggle with concentration for many reasons. These changes do not prove drug use. A teacher's role is not to diagnose, investigate or publicly accuse a student. It is to notice concerns and respond safely.

Start with observable facts

Describe specific changes without labels: “I've noticed you've missed several classes and seem upset. Is everything okay?” Ask privately in a suitable school setting, following child-safeguarding rules. Avoid guessing what substances might be involved.

Listen and assess immediate safety

Give the student time to speak. If they appear seriously unwell, intoxicated or at risk of immediate harm, obtain urgent medical assistance and follow the school's emergency procedures. Do not leave an unwell student alone.

Follow an agreed support route

Know who the designated school counsellor or safeguarding lead is. Share concerns only with people who need the information to protect and support the student. Explain confidentiality boundaries honestly; never promise secrecy you cannot maintain.

Involve families thoughtfully

Family involvement can be important, but follow the school's child-protection rules and consider whether contact could create danger for the student. If there is uncertainty, seek guidance from the designated safeguarding professional.

Prevention outside a crisis

Students benefit from opportunities to build coping, social and decision-making skills. Interactive activities, a supportive school climate and trusted adult relationships are more useful than singling out a “problem student” in front of peers.

School action: Before running a campaign, agree on one named person and a documented route for students to ask for help after the session.

Sources and further reading

CDC; Substance Use Among Youth
https://www.cdc.gov/youth-behavior/risk-behaviors/substance-use-among-youth.html
CDC; ENGAGE Youth Substance Use Prevention
https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/php/interventions/youth-substance-use-prevention.html

General educational information, not a diagnosis or individual treatment plan. Discuss medical concerns with a qualified professional. For an immediate medical emergency in India, call 112.