News

HIGHer education: 20% more Manchester Met students caught with drugs this year

Nearly 20% more students were caught with drugs in Manchester Metropolitan University’s Halls of Residence this year compared to last, according to new statistics.

The result of a Freedom of Information (FOI) request revealed that 132 students were cautioned with formal disciplinary action due to drug related incidents in the academic year 2013/14, while 157 students were cautioned in 2014/15.

Across the University’s Manchester and Cheshire campuses, a total of 4,781 rooms exist in their Halls of Residence, meaning that just over one in 30 students were punished.

A spokeperson from drug charity AddAction said: “We understand that not everyone who uses drugs will develop a problem with them, but it is important to help people to recognise when their use becomes something habitual or problematic, and to let people know what help is available.
“One of the signs that drug use is becoming a problem is if it affects a person’s relationships with other people, or their ability to keep up with commitments such as their job or their education.
“If someone is worried about their drug use, they should contact their GP or search for their nearest treatment services to talk about what help is available.”

Further statistics revealed that the University of Manchester had an improved behavioural rate compared to their neighbouring education establishment.

The number of students being dealt with for drug seizures dropped by more than 20% this year, with 148 students punished in the academic year of 2013/14 compared to 114 across 2014/15 to date.

Noise complaints in Manchester University’s Halls of Residence also dropped by more than 40% over the past year, from 107 incidents in 2013/14 to just 63 across 2014/15 to date – the lowest amount in the past five years.

Salford University failed to provide detailed statistics following a Freedom of Information (FOI) request.

Image courtesy of KevinYank2 via FlickR, with thanks.

Related Articles