Four elementary school students were reportedly discovered smoking marijuana at a recent athletics event and have since received counseling.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations Livai Driu confirmed this information yesterday, emphasizing the importance of parents and guardians engaging in discussions with their children about the severe consequences of illegal drugs.
The four students were caught with smoking devices in a restroom and were subsequently referred to security personnel at the event before law enforcement was involved.
“The students’ parents have been notified, and the students have been counseled on the repercussions of their actions,” stated ACP Driu. He urged parents to provide ongoing guidance to their children, especially as they navigate a critical phase in their lives.
“Without continuous support, children may seek advice from harmful sources, which could lead them astray,” he added.
In the wake of this incident, Muniappa Goundar, general secretary of the Fiji Teachers Union, is advocating for an increase in the number of counselors available in schools.
“This is a serious concern,” Goundar remarked. “Counselors play a vital role not just in academics but also in behavior management and child development.”
He stressed the necessity of having counselors in all schools, noting that having only one counselor per division is overwhelming given the number of schools.
“There is a pressing need to educate students about drugs and their detrimental effects on life. This issue should be approached from a broader perspective and integrated into the school curriculum,” he concluded.