Parents given fact file on drugs
The aim of the event was to inform parents on what drugs are available, where they are sold, their packaging, cost, side effects on users and toxicity.
JOHANNESBURG SOUTH : A drug awareness evening with parents was held at Marist Brother’s Linmeyer on Wednesday, November 25, to discuss the scourge of drugs in schools and in society.
The evening was hosted by the Mondeor Sector One Victim Support Unit (VSU), Local Drug Action Committee (LDAC), Provincial SAPS Captain Hennie Bouwer, Mondeor SAPS, Tough Love, Department of Social Development and Glenvista CPF.
The aim of the event was to inform parents on what drugs are available, where they are sold, their packaging, cost, side effects on users and toxicity. Parents were also informed about the scourge of illegal drug usage and how the SAPS and Social Development social workers are tackling it.
“Our team of social workers focus on substance abuse. There are two elements of substance abuse prevention programmes that we focus on – protective factors and risk reduction. We conducted a community survey and found there was a number one factor that contributes to substance prevention. We allow young people to be involved in constructive programmes but, without intervention or involvement from their parents, there is less effectiveness,” said Mpho Nevhutalu of Social Development.
According to Provincial SAPS Captain Hennie Bouwer, children are precious and should have a safe place to learn and grow. Schools should be a place of safety but drug use among young children can make school a less safe place for all learners, whether they use drugs or not.
Common signs that your child or any other young person may be in trouble and might be at risk of drug abuse are: mood swings, trouble at school, concerns about them among their friends, unexplained need for money and a change of friends.
It was emphasised that to be a parent in these times, one should be a long term player in a chaotic environment that children grow up in where drug dealers are trying to recruit them from school level.
It is vitally important that parents have open lines of communication with their children and should remember that they are not their children’s friend but rather a parent. Screen phone calls, text messages, social media accounts and be active in assisting your child with school work.
