Four primary school students have reportedly been caught smoking marijuana at a recent athletics event and have since received counseling. Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations Livai Driu confirmed this information yesterday.
ACP Driu emphasized the importance of ongoing discussions between parents, guardians, and their children about the serious consequences of illegal drug use. He stated that the students were discovered with smoking paraphernalia in a washroom at the event, leading security officials to contact law enforcement.
The parents were notified about the incident, and the students were counseled regarding the implications of their behavior. ACP Driu highlighted the necessity for continual guidance as children explore their independence, cautioning that without proper support, they may seek advice from unreliable sources, potentially leading them astray.
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. He expressed concern over the situation, stating that counselors are vital for not only academic support but also for behavioral guidance and child development.
Goundar remarked that the current availability of counseling resources is insufficient, noting that there is only one counselor per division. He called for greater awareness of the dangers of drugs and suggested that this issue should be addressed within the school curriculum for a more comprehensive understanding.