The Sunday Mail
Linea Njaravani
IT is a pity that some learners are taking drugs by choice or after being lured by drug dealers or friends.
Sadly, most of them are now battling drug addiction.
Peer pressure has proved to be the major reason many learners are trying drugs or alcohol. Learners are being tempted by fake lifestyles.
They wrongly assume that indulging in such illicit activities will see them being considered chic. That is not it.
However, drug dealers are mainly to blame.
They are fuelling drug and substance abuse in schools by turning learners into customers of their illegal substances. Some dealers even have the audacity to turn learners into drug peddlers.
Drugs like cocaine, crystal meth and marijuana are readily available to learners.
What many of my colleagues do not realise is that substance abuse will not boost ability in schoolwork or sporting activities. In reality, drugs are harmful, both physically and mentally.
Most people who take them struggle in class and often become violent or engage in all sorts of crime.
Naturally, this creates problems not only for the parents/guardians but the school authorities as well. It is difficult for schools to keep drug and substance addicts in their premises as they are a threat to other learners.
It is sad to realise that we are losing gifted learners to these social ills.
The authorities should do more to combat this crisis.
Drug dealers must be arrested while those who are already hooked should get professional help at rehabilitation centres.
It is our duty to save this generation.
Everyone should play a part in stopping drug and substance abuse.
Linea Njaravani is a Form Two learner at Queen Elizabeth School
