Drugs found on learners at a high school in Olievenhoutbosch
"The search aimed to remind learners that school is for learning and that unruly conduct would not be tolerated" police say.
Drugs were found on learners when police conducted a surprise visit at a local high school in Olievenhoutbosch last week.
“The search aimed to remind learners that unruly conduct would not be tolerated,” said Olievenhoutbosch police spokesperson Sergeant Pretty Mokadi.
The visit by the Olievenhoutbosch SAPS on Friday to the Steve Tshwete Secondary School sought to address the issue of drug abuse.
During the search, which included representatives from Khuluma Family Counselling and Crime Prevention Wardens, police found and confiscated several items related to drug abuse.
These included cigarettes, dagga (cannabis), alcohol, vapes as well as matches and lighters.
“About 800 learners from grades 8 to 12 were searched in a surprise search. School management appreciated our search,” Mokadi said.
DRUG USE AMONG HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN SA CONCERNING
Drug abuse among learners in South Africa, including Pretoria, has been a concern for years.
Commonly abused substances among students include alcohol, cannabis, inhalants and methamphetamine (tik or crystal meth).
This was according to a local counsellor, Cayley Jorgensen, quoting research conducted by the South African Community Epidemiology Network on Drug Use (Sacendu).
Furthermore, Jorgensen told Rekord that substance abuse among teens is a complex issue influenced by various factors.
“Peer pressure plays a significant role, as teens may experiment with substances to fit in or be part of a particular social group.”
Curiosity and exploration, stress and coping mechanisms, family environment, media influence, and a lack of education and awareness are additional factors.
To address this issue, Jorgensen said that it was important to talk openly and to provide education, healthy coping mechanisms, and supportive environments to combat these issues.
PARENTS, CAREGIVERS URGED TO BE VIGILANT FOR SIGNS OF DRUG ABUSE
Parents and caregivers must be vigilant.
Hence, they can look out for signs, including sudden changes in behaviour, declining academic performance, secretive behaviour, physical signs, changes in friendships, increased financial strain, and drug paraphernalia.
Parents can help support teens dealing with drug abuse by recognising these signs and intervening when necessary.
Accordingly, Jorgensen advised that parents approach the topic with their children by taking some key steps.
These include:
- stay calm,
- seek support from professionals experienced in teen drug abuse,
- initiate open communication,
- listen with empathy,
- set clear boundaries and consequences,
- and encourage healthier coping mechanisms.
“In short, it is important to remember that each teenager is unique and factors can vary.”
“Therefore, if parents or caregivers are concerned about their teenager’s drug use or notice signs of abuse, seeking professional help is advised.
Consult a registered counsellor, psychologist, social worker, or healthcare provider.”
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