STUDENTS are bringing alcohol to school in bottles and drinking it on school grounds, prompting a call for schools to strengthen and clearly communicate procedures for dealing with substance abuse.
National Substance Abuse Advisory Council acting chief executive Josua Naisele said some students were using particular bottles to conceal alcohol before bringing it to school.
“Reports from few schools of students who were using the stainless steel water bottle to fill alcoholic drinks and smuggle them to school,” Mr Naisele said.
“This is a concern as the children were so bold to do this knowing fully well it is not allowed.”
He also raised concerns about students taking vaping devices and illicit drugs onto school premises, adding that clearly defined procedures would help schools respond consistently and appropriately when such incidents occurred.
Mr Naisele made the comments while speaking to heads of school recently, where he urged school management and teachers to ensure staff and parents understood the steps to take when students were found with alcohol, vaping devices, tobacco or drugs.
Mr Naisele said prevention must begin with clear school policies aligned with those of the Ministry of Education, like the Child Protection Policy, Behaviour Management Policy, School Code of Conduct Policy, School Comforting Policy, and School Drugs and Substance Policy.
“These five policies are used to guide the teachers in addressing issues in school.”
