Q: I work with a 15-year-old girl who attends a pupil referral unit (PRU). Her mum thinks she's been using legal highs with some older pupils at the unit but she denies it. What should I do?
Jeanie Lynch: Start by talking directly to her and asking her what is happening. Ask what legal highs she has been using, if any, and find out if she feels pressured into taking them by others.
Help her understand you are concerned about her. Talk to her about the potential consequences of using legal highs and the dangers involved. If self-esteem is an issue, think about ways of helping her feel better about herself. This will also give her the opportunity to open up.
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