Monday Matters: The Role of Schools in Preventing Teenage Drug Abuse

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Schools should operate as part of the greater community in trying to keep young people away from drug use.  But it is often difficult enough to prevent drug abuse in schools.  Teenagers nowadays are so sneaky that they’re able to do things which they desire in the most discreet ways.  However, it is possible for the school to use draconian security and detection methods.  In this manner, illegal drugs can be confiscated right away.  Moreover, the teachers must also keep an eye on their students in order to have early detection on drug abuse.

As educators, the school’s faculty must teach their children on how serious drug abuse effects can be.  Through this, they can have knowledge on the very ill and evil results in using illegal drugs.  It’s just like threatening them that once they try using drugs, their lives would never be the same again.  And that it would bring destruction caused by the fatal chemicals contained in drugs.

Meanwhile, the school must also teach their children social skills and assertiveness.  Giving them the tools and confidence to resist peer pressure is one of the most effective ways in preventing drug abuse.  Additionally, enriching their activities would make them too busy to even think of drugs.  Allow them to do more extra-curricular activities like sports, theater, and journalism.  They won’t just be saved from using drugs but they can also develop their talents and skills to become useful individuals someday.

Then the school’s faculty and staff must establish good relationships with their children.  Sometimes, the child’s home life might be a big part of the problem.  In this case, the teacher should refer such a child to the school counselor for proper guidance.  The school can also form a group for such children wherein they can freely express themselves and share their problems.  Upon joining sessions of talks from the testimony of other people, they can have knowledge on the experience when drug abuse effects are felt.

In conclusion, the school plays a vital role in the prevention of teenage drug abuse.  Adolescence is a phase of confusion for youngsters so they need extra guidance for them to be taken to the right path.  And in this area, schools indeed must act to help mold such individuals for a brighter future.            

For information on drug treatment and rehabilitation, visit It Works! Rehab Center in Brgy. Tinago, Ozamiz City.

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