How does the school support parents in cannabis cases?

When cannabis comes to light at a school, parents usually want to know first what happens next. The BIÖG's prevention material for teachers describes a procedure: in certain situations parents are informed immediately, and this is followed by a parents' meeting that is meant to find solutions. Independently of the school, section 7 KCanG applies: if a minor is found violating the possession, acquisition or cultivation ban, the competent police and public order authority immediately informs the parents or legal guardians. Parents can also contact the local youth welfare services and advice centres, and they can ask which steps are planned.

What the law regulates for young people and parents

For minors, possession, acquisition and cultivation of cannabis remain prohibited. With the Cannabis Act, the compulsion to prosecute young people falls away. However, there is a duty to inform. The BIÖG's prevention material for specialists describes it this way: if young people under 18 are caught using cannabis, the parents or legal guardians are always notified. Under certain circumstances the local youth welfare services may also be involved. The duty to inform is set out in section 7 KCanG: where there are substantial indications that a child's welfare is at risk, the authority additionally informs the youth welfare office (Jugendamt).

For you as a mother or father, this means that you should expect authorities or the school to inform you. The information is the start of a clarification in which you are involved.

How the school involves parents

The BIÖG's prevention material for teachers names two clear situations: if cannabis is used on a holiday camp or school trip, parents must be informed immediately. The same applies to handing over drugs in exchange for payment or a service. The parents' meeting should address the use, and the aim is to find solutions and clear behavioural goals together. Teachers can bring in a supporting person, for example from the school psychological service or the youth welfare office. Ask for a fixed date for the meeting.

Useful content for such a conversation includes:

• a factual account of the incident, without prejudgment
• a reference to the house rules and the rules that apply
• an agreement on who takes which next steps
• specific information about local advice services
• a date for a follow-up meeting

If the school does not explain these points to you, ask specifically: what happened, who is responsible, and what happens next?

What role the house rules play

The BIÖG's prevention material for teachers points out that schools may need to change their house rules. A cannabis ban can be added there, similar to how an alcohol ban is already common. Parents can ask whether and how the house rules address the topic and what consequences they provide for.

Independently of this, the statutory use rules apply. Public use is prohibited in schools and within sight of them. According to the law, a place is no longer within sight at a distance of more than 100 metres from the entrance area. The rule therefore extends beyond school grounds, and it applies to adults just the same. Anyone who accompanies pupils around the school should keep this in mind.

What help the school can arrange

Schools do not have to help alone. The BIÖG's prevention material for teachers recommends searching specifically for advice services. The search can be narrowed by federal state, postcode, or town and radius. Parents can do the same: the Suchthilfeverzeichnis of the Deutsche Hauptstelle für Suchtfragen (DHS) lists advice services on the ground.

If a telephone conversation helps, the Sucht & Drogen Hotline on 01806 313031 is a first point of contact. For parents there is also the parents' helpline of Nummer gegen Kummer on 0800 111 0 550. The parents' helpline also answers individual questions and is anonymous and free of charge.

What you can do as a mother or father

• Ask about the procedure, the people responsible and the next appointments.
• Ask for a meeting if you only receive information when you ask for it.
• Note the date, the people you spoke with and the agreements.
• Speak with your child beforehand, calmly and without condemnation.
• Get independent advice if the reaction seems merely formal to you.

Schools and families need each other. The school needs information from home, and you need information about the incident and the steps that follow. Those who raise this openly lay the basis for a shared solution. How a school sets its rules is shown in How does a school develop a consistent rule?. What the law means for parents is explained in What to do if you find cannabis on your child?.

Dealing with youth welfare services is a separate issue. What young people can expect legally is set out in What consequences does a violation have for young people?. Further contact points for parents can be found at Which contact points for parents exist in youth welfare?. General information on youth protection is offered by the youth protection section of this website.