More than 3,000 students were referred from schools to the National Substance Abuse Advisory Council last year, according to Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro.
This situation led the ministry to consider using drug testing kits in schools with the assistance of other ministries and departments.
Mr. Radrodro mentioned that there is an existing policy for handling students found with drugs, and those who violate the policy are sent to the substance abuse center.
“I think in the last calendar year, over 3,000 students were taken to the substance abuse center,” Mr. Radrodro said.
“There is an in-house policy concerning students found with drugs, and these policies are already implemented in schools, referring the offenders to the currently operating center.”
“We hope the number of students abusing drugs will decrease now that we have this policy in place.”
“We are also considering the use of drug testing kits in schools, but this will be done in collaboration and discussion with other ministries and departments.”
“That is an option for the future. We need to improve efforts to minimize drug problems in schools.”
As the second-term school holiday approaches, Mr. Radrodro is urging students, teachers, stakeholders, and parents to take responsibility for ensuring students stay away from drugs.
“I would like to urge and advise school students to stay away from using drugs.”
“You have a very long and bright future if you continue to stay away from drugs.”
“Schools, teachers, stakeholders, and parents are reminded that we all have an important responsibility to play in keeping drugs out of our school systems.”