The impact of parental alcohol and substance misuse on children cannot be underestimated. In this blog, we explore the scale of the problem and highlight key strategies DSLs can use to support pupils.

As the NSPCC says, “Most parents or carers who drink alcohol or use drugs do it in moderation and are not a risk to their children”. But it is important that we, as DSLs, stay vigilant in order to identify if this substance use is beginning to have a detrimental effect on a child, and it is therefore becoming harmful to them.

When parents misuse alcohol and substances, there can be profound impacts on their child’s education, well-being, and future prospects. For DSLs in education settings, understanding these effects and taking proactive steps to support these children is critical in creating a safe, nurturing environment where they can thrive.

The Scale of Parental Substance Abuse and Alcoholism

In the UK alone, it is estimated that approximately 478,000 children live with a parent who has a problem with alcohol or drug use, equating to a rate of 40 per 1,000 children. These children are at a heightened risk of neglect, abuse, and emotional trauma, often slipping under the radar in school settings.

While some children may present with clear signs of distress, others may mask their struggles, so maintaining our professional curiosity and regularly refreshing our own understanding of any potential indicators is crucial.

What is the Impact of Alcohol and Substance Misuse on Children?

Parental substance misuse and alcohol can affect children in various ways, encompassing their emotional, physical, and social development. For instance, a child might arrive late at school every Monday, exhausted from spending the weekend caring for their younger siblings. Another might act out in class, unable to articulate the fear they feel at home. Some key impacts include:

Emotional and Psychological Well-Being

• Living with a parent who misuses substances creates an unpredictable home environment and an increased risk of domestic abuse, leading to anxiety, depression, and feelings of helplessness.
• Children may feel embarrassed or ashamed of their home situation, leading to withdrawal from peers and a reluctance to seek help.
• Constantly on edge, these children may show signs of anxiety or can lack focus in school, fearing what might happen at home.

Educational Impact

• Children may frequently miss school due to caregiving responsibilities, parental neglect, or chaotic routines.
• Emotional distress and lack of stability can hinder concentration and cognitive development, resulting in falling behind academically.
• These children might exhibit disruptive behaviour or, conversely, become overly compliant to avoid drawing attention to themselves.

Social and Physical Consequences

• Neglect may lead to poor hygiene, lack of proper clothing, or insufficient nutrition.
• Trust issues may make it hard for these children to form healthy peer or adult relationships.
• They may be at higher risk of exploitation or engage in behaviours that might put them at risk of harm (including their own substance misuse) as a coping mechanism.

Identifying Indicators

There are key activities which a DSL can undertake to increase the likelihood of identifying if alcohol or substance use at home is having (or is likely to have) a detrimental impact on a child. These include:

• Attendance patterns: With your attendance officer, regularly review attendance and identify any key patterns which would raise your level of concern. Noticing frequent unexplained absences or lateness is always something to follow up on.
• Physical signs: Ensure that school staff train for key signs of concern such as poor hygiene, inappropriate clothing, or signs of neglect. By increasing the reports made about such matters, you and the safeguarding team are more likely to be able to identify any changes or patterns.
• Behavioural changes: Is the child struggling with their behaviour at school? Mood swings, withdrawal and aggression can all be indicators of parental substance misuse.
• Overburdened roles: Have you or other staff members noticed that the child has a sudden increased responsibility at home? Acting as caregivers for siblings or parents can suggest that substance use has descended into misuse.
• Disclosure: Listen and maintain your professional curiosity. Children may disclose concerns in subtle ways, such as vague comments about “worries at home” or there may be inconsistent stories.
• Attainment changes: Ensure that class teachers and subject leaders understand that changes in attainment levels can be an indicator of a safeguarding concern. Maintaining an open channel of communication can help DSLs to become aware of early indications of concern.

Strategies for DSLs

1. Establish trust and provide a safe space: Create an environment where children feel secure to share their experiences. Regular check-ins and a non-judgmental attitude can encourage disclosure.
2. Engage with parents: When appropriate, build relationships with parents to understand the home situation better, using empathetic communication while prioritising the child’s safety.
3. Collaborate with others in school: Communicate with teachers, attendance officers and other staff members as irregular patterns may indicate underlying issues.
4. Coordinate with external agencies: Work with social care, health services, and local safeguarding hubs to provide comprehensive support.
5. Offer emotional and academic support: Utilise pastoral resources and implement academic interventions to assist affected children.
6. Promote trauma-informed practices: Train staff to understand the effects of adverse childhood experiences, including parental substance misuse.
7. Signposting: Know where you can signpost families if they are concerned about their own substance use.
8. Take decisive action when necessary: If concerns escalate, make timely referrals to children’s services, always prioritising the child’s welfare.

The Role of Schools

Schools are pivotal in breaking the cycle of substance misuse by offering a stable environment and access to supportive adults, enabling children to develop resilience and pursue a brighter future.

Parental substance misuse is a significant safeguarding concern requiring vigilance, empathy, and action from educational professionals. DSLs play a vital role in identifying and supporting affected children, ensuring they receive the necessary care and opportunities to thrive.

Further Guidance and Resources

Dealing with an alcoholic parent or frequent substance user, and the impact this can have on a child, isn’t easy. For further guidance, please contact our team of safeguarding experts at [email protected]. It’s also worth taking a look at the following resources:

• NSPCC: Alcohol, drugs and parenting | NSPCC
• NSPCC: Parental substance misuse | NSPCC Learning
• Public Health England: Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children affected by parental alcohol and drug use: a guide for local authorities – GOV.UK
• Public Health England: Parents with alcohol and drug problems: adult treatment and children and family services – GOV.UK

About the Author

Emma has over 20 years of experience working in primary education. Throughout this time, she worked as a leader in a wide variety of areas, and as Assistant Head Teacher, Deputy Head Teacher, and Acting Head Teacher, she has been at the forefront of school leadership and improvement for a significant number of years.  

Emma now works as the Educational Adviser for English and is also a member of the Safeguarding team, sharing her experience and knowledge to continually promote and improve the quality of safeguarding, the standard of teaching and learning in English, and in school improvement overall. Supporting schools with the accuracy of their KS1 and KS2 writing assessments is an important part of her role as she can use her expertise as a member for the moderation team to inform, train and support teachers and school leaders. 

Emma is also part of the team which delivers the Health For Life programme (improving the healthy opportunities for primary aged children) and the NPQSL, where she proudly supports the development of our aspiring leaders in the city. 

NEED SAFEGUARDING SUPPORT AT YOUR SCHOOL?

Our expert advisers can provide in-school visits to deliver sessions on any specific safeguarding issues that are relevant to your setting. We also offer consultancy and a detailed safeguarding audit. We will work with you to understand your exact requirements.

Get in touch with us today if you’d like to discuss bespoke Safeguarding training for your school.

find out more

For further support and information, SFE can offer bespoke consultancy packages of support for DSLs to look at processes and procedures. In addition, our team of experts can complete an audit of the current safeguarding status of your school.   

Browse our website for further information www.servicesforeducation.co.uk or email [email protected]