Four primary school students were reportedly caught using marijuana at an athletics meet and have since received counseling. Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations Livai Driu confirmed this incident.
ACP Driu emphasized the need for parents and guardians to engage in ongoing discussions with their children about the severe impacts of illegal drugs. The students were apprehended after being discovered with smoking devices in a washroom and were subsequently handed over to security personnel at the event, who then contacted the police.
He stated, “The parents of the students were notified, and the students have been counseled regarding the consequences of their actions.” Driu urged parents and guardians to consistently guide their children, as young individuals are often in a phase of experimentation. “In the absence of continuous support, children may seek counsel from sources that do not prioritize their well-being, potentially leading them down a harmful path,” he added.
In light of the incident, Muniappa Goundar, general secretary of the Fiji Teachers Union, is advocating for an increase in the number of counselors available in schools. “This situation is very worrying,” Mr. Goundar remarked. He highlighted the essential role counselors play in facilitating learning, behavior, child development, and decision-making.
Goundar argued for the necessity of having counselors in every school, noting that currently, one division has only one counselor, creating an overwhelming workload. He further stated, “Understanding drugs and their detrimental effects on life is crucial and should be integrated into the school curriculum from a broader standpoint.”