Education on 'legal highs'

And the school's principal has warned any pupil found to be taking drugs will face sanctions.

Speaking to the 'MAIL' ahead of an information evening for parents Mr Adams said he was concerned about the availability of the drug and what it could do to children's health.

"While we are aware that some of our students have taken the drug outside school, it or any other drugs have not been found on school premises," said Mr Adams.

The drug which is designed as a plant feeder can be purchased legally for around 10 per gram with some online sites offering 'speedy' delivery. The 'MAIL' also understands its street price may be even cheaper with dealers peddaling to children as young as 12.

Mr Adams continued: "Young people think that because the drug is legal it can't do them any harm.

"The effects are deadly and because it is legal it does not mean that it is right nor is it appropriate behaviour.

"Drugs are banned from school premises and any pupil found to be taking drugs will face sanctions, but we will offer support from pastoral care and counselling if needed.

"If a pupil is found to be selling or trafficking drugs then they could face expulsion."

He concluded: “The long term effects of taking Mephedrone are unknown, as is the unpredictability of what the side effects users will encounter.

"We have a responsibility as a school to bring this to the attention of parents and ask them to monitor their young people.

"We have concerns of the availability of the drug in the area - parents need to be made aware.”

Mr Adams's comments come a week after a parent spoke to the 'MAIL' about how Mephedrone was taking hold in Lurgan after he discovered his 12-year-old son had experimented with the drug.

And it has been reported to have claimed the lives of two teenagers in the English town of Scunthorpe.

The information evening, with advice provided by Opportunity Youth from Mount Zion House, will take place in St Michael's at 7pm next Thursday, March 31.