Survey reveals that 10.3% of students surveyed reported they attend school under influence of alcohol and cannabis

September 2, 2026

Written byIRIEFM NEWS

Written By Georgetta Williams and Natalie Campbell

10.3 per cent of students surveyed reported that they attend school under the influence of alcohol and cannabis.

This was disclosed by Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton at this morning’s release of the findings of the 2026 Global School-Based Student Health Survey (GSHS).

Dr Tufton stated that the survey also indicated that another 8.6 per cent of students attend school under the influence of other substances.

The 2026 survey included 3,058 students from grades 7 to 12 and examined several areas affecting adolescent health, including mental wellness, substance use, bullying, social media use, sleep and other health-related behaviours.

The Health Minister said the data show that alcohol use and episodes of drunkenness have declined.

However, there is concern that many students are reporting use of alcohol before age 14.

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The 2026 Global School-Based Student Health Survey provides important insight into the health, behaviours and experiences of Jamaican adolescents and supports the development of evidence-based policies, programmes and interventions aimed at improving the health and well-being of young people.