Dingwall Academy urges parents to talk to their children over issue of 'inappropriate use of medication'
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PARENTS at Ross-shire's largest secondary school are being urged to talk to their children after concerns for their health and wellbeing.
Dingwall Academy rector Karen Cormack made her appeal after it emerged a small number of younger pupils "are receiving medical attention linked to inappropriate use of medication".
The school says that while a commonly used drug like paracetamol is easily available around many homes, children may not realise the potentially devastating impact it can have on their health, in particular to the liver and kidneys.
It warns: "Where anyone has exceeded the recommended dose, it can be days or even weeks later before the effects become obvious and are fully known."
It notes that not all children who engage in these behaviours show outward signs of poor mental health. It said: "We know that children are vulnerable to peer influences and may not understand the danger of these actions."
It urges parents to talk to their children about the risks and their own wellbeing.
A spokeswoman for Highland Council said: "A letter was sent to parents at Dingwall Academy yesterday to alert them to a serious incident and provide advice and guidance. This is very concerning for everyone involved and we are working closely with partner agencies to manage the impact on the school and wider community.”
A number of parents took to social media to thank the school for being transparent over the issue.
Ms Cormack's stance was also backed by the school's former rector, Graham Mackenzie, now a Dingwall and Seaforth councillor.
