Concerns regarding the rising use of cannabis among primary and secondary school students have prompted significant alarm from the National Substance Abuse Advisory Council. Josua Naisele, the council’s acting chief executive officer, reported to the Standing Committee on Public Accounts that instances of marijuana usage among students are now becoming apparent, particularly with some year eight students being involved.
During recent counseling sessions, students have also disclosed experimentation with other substances, including methamphetamine and cocaine, while Naisele clarified that there have been no reports of cocaine use on school grounds. According to him, issues related to mental health—such as anxiety and self-harm—are interlinked with drug use, necessitating attention and intervention from qualified professionals.
The council aims to enhance support systems by increasing the number of trained counselors in schools to address not only drug use but also the broader mental health issues that students face. Naisele emphasized that providing adequate counseling support may assist these individuals in overcoming their struggles without progressing to addiction.
This situation echoes earlier findings shared by Naisele about the significant increase in drug offenses within educational institutions, highlighting a critical need for intervention to prevent early exposure to drugs and limit the future likelihood of dependence on harder substances. The collaborative effort between schools, parents, and community organizations is essential to foster an environment that prioritizes the well-being of children and encourages positive behavioral choices.
A hopeful aspect of this situation is that last year, while five students reported trying meth and cocaine during counseling, none had progressed to full addiction, indicating that the support provided can be effective. By focusing on building stronger support networks and addressing underlying mental health issues, there is potential for a more positive outcome for students grappling with these challenges. The proactive measures discussed by Naisele aim to not only reduce drug use among students but also promote healthier, more resilient future generations.
Leave a comment