The Ministry of Education has raised alarms regarding a concerning rise in the number of girls found associated with illicit drugs in schools. This year, approximately ten female students at a well-known high school were referred to the ministry for being either under the influence of substances or in possession of drugs, as reported by the ministry’s Substance Abuse, Alcohol and Other Drugs Counsellor, Vilisimani Rakikau.
This issue seems to be particularly pronounced in the Central Division, defying traditional stereotypes that typically associate drug use primarily with boys. Mr. Rakikau emphasized that the increasing number of drug-related incidents involving girls is a troubling trend that cannot be overlooked. In response to these incidents, severe cases are directed to the police, and the ministry also provides counseling to affected students. Schools are quick to notify the ministry when they identify such cases, ensuring a swift response.
While no exact statistics were shared, Mr. Rakikau described the overall situation as alarming and highlighted it as a serious national issue. Despite the relatively stable number of juvenile offenders in the past few years, there is an evident shift in drug use patterns towards younger school-aged children. Assistant Commissioner of Police Sakeo Raikaci pointed out that the demographic between 18 to 35 years has historically shown the highest numbers of offenders, peaking in recent years with figures around 1000.
Adding to the concern, there have been reports of primary school children being exploited as “runners” for drug deliveries. A notable case involved a second-grade student who unknowingly delivered drugs packed in their lunchbox by their parents, only for the police to intercept the delivery.
As the festive season approaches, the ministry’s officials are urging parents and guardians to be more vigilant. Mr. Rakikau implored them to keep track of their children’s whereabouts, asserting that safety is not guaranteed. Similarly, Senior Superintendent Salanieta Radaniva from the Fiji Police Force’s Community Policing division reminded parents of their critical role in ensuring their children’s safety, especially during school breaks.
This alarming trend in school-aged children regarding drug use calls for a united community effort to protect the youth and foster a safe environment. Parents, schools, and law enforcement must collaborate to raise awareness, support positive choices among young people, and provide the needed resources to combat substance abuse effectively.
A hopeful perspective lies in the awareness being raised around this issue. With proactive responses from the Ministry of Education, involvement from law enforcement, and an increasing dialogue within the community, there is potential for change and improvement. By acting collectively, society can work towards ensuring that children remain safe and supported, steering them away from the path of drug use.
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