Education experts alarmed by dagga threat
How would the Education Department deal with teachers who smoked cannabis prior to commencing work?
The fundamental human right to a quality education is being threatened by those seeking the decriminalisation of cannabis in South Africa.
This was the topic of discussion at the conference of the South African Education Law Association held recently in Cape Town. The Concerned Young People of South Africa questioned whether the impact on the minds, lives and futures of our country’s pupils should cannabis become freely available had been adequately considered.
Several scenarios were presented to those in attendance. These included the well-documented correlation between cannabis use and lowered IQ levels among the youth, the increase in matric failure and drop-out rates, and the likelihood that those in education would be held responsible once these negative trends began to emerge subsequent to a rapid increase in cannabis use among pupils.
Pupils who were exposed to cannabis use at home were likely to be affected in a manner similar to the children of tobacco users who inhale second-hand smoke. The question was raised as to how the department would deal with teachers who smoked cannabis prior to commencing work or on school property when it became their right to do so.
It was agreed by all in attendance, including representatives of some of the country’s largest teachers’ unions, that such barriers to the provision of quality education could not be entertained and that it was necessary to take action in order to preserve our children’s right to a good education and a bright future.
What are your thoughts on cannabis becoming freely available, and how it will affect your child? Email us at randfonteinherald.@caxton.co.za
