02 Aug 2017

Good Hope Police Station commander, Senior Superintendent Mogomotsi Kwapa says the influx of marijuana in schools is alarming and that they have registered many cases involving school children.

He urged parents to play their role in protecting children from the use of drugs and alcohol.

Speaking during a community youth outreach meeting against the use of drugs and alcohol recently organised by Diphalana Youth Empowerment Centre, Senior Superintendent Kwapa said parents should know that children easily copy their behaviour and that they were the main players in the fight against drugs.

He also advised parents to regularly visit their children, especially in boarding schools like Good Hope senior where indulgence in drugs was rife.

“A child should not be sent to buy alcohol or any illicit substance because that is when they learn about its use hence for us to win the battle against drugs parents are pivotal players,” he said.

Senior Superintendent  Kwapa noted that the level at which cases were reaching their office was a matter of concern.

He said children learn behaviour from their parents, and perceive it as being correct and acceptable. Senior Superintendent Kwapa further said if they were protected from drugs and alcohol, they would not experiment because they would not know such substances.

On another point, he said some parents were involved in the supply and sale of drugs within schools, and warned that they should desist from such behaviour.

Diphalana Youth Empowerment Centre chairperson, Mr Paul Englishman said the use of drugs and alcohol, especially amongst youth in Gathwane and surrounding villages, were worrisome especially at Nthwalang Community Junior Secondary School where unacceptable behaviour, including early indulgence in sexual activities by students was common.

Mr Englishman pleaded with parents to take action in order to make sure that they monitor their children’s behaviour.

He also said early engagement in sexual activities in schools was a concern, and that relevant authorities and parents should be at the forefront to help curb the problem.

Mr Englishman further emphasised the need for the government to review policies and avail condoms within schools.

He said it was high time that people accept that students at junior school were actively involved in sexual activities hence the need to avail protection. ENDS