DRUGS IN SCHOOLS

It is commonly thought that the major drug problems in some schools are related to substances such as "ice", cocaine, marijuana, etc or alcohol.

This is far from the truth. The biggest single drug problem in virtually all primary and secondary schools is smoking.

There are numerous reasons as to why students start smoking. It is my experience that the majority of students over 15 years of age want to give up their addiction.

In the past I have, "unofficially", helped students to give up their addictive habit. I point out to them that as I see it there are only three reasons why they continue to smoke. One they are stupid, or two the are addicted, or three they are both stupid and addicted. None of the students which I have helped to quit were stupid.

I would suggest that most schools do not want to admit that they have a smoking problem. It's an "image of the school" thing. I would also suggest that the so called educational programs related to smoking which are implemented in schools are generally a waste of time and money. They almost certainly do nothing for the many students who are addicted. It is completely understandable that the vast majority of addicted students cannot get through a school day without having a puff or two.

Many of the punishments which teachers dish out to students who are caught smoking are quite pathetic and do nothing to alter the students addiction.

If we want a society where a lot less people smoke then we need to properly address the problem of smoking in our schools.

Images and Institutions

It is important for institutions such as churches and schools to maintain a positive image. Hence, leaders of these organisations are hand picked for this purpose.

I remember attending a staff meeting where a child protection issue was raised. A member of staff strongly suggested that every thing be kept "in house". That staff member was later promoted to the position of Deputy Principal and  then Principal.

I suggest that this sort of action sends a clear message to staff members in both churches and schools.

VIOLENCE IN SCHOOLS

It seems that violence in schools throughout Australia is on the increase. Most Principals, and their executive staff, are committed to maintaining a positive image for their school. Hence, it is not too difficult to imagine that some  classroom teachers and some students who have been subjected to violence are "sacrificed" for the sake of maintaining school image.

The Federal Government publishes certain statistics regarding schools. I always suggest to parents that the first set of data to view is school attendance rates. I further suggest to the same parents that if attendance rates are below 95% then it is quite possible that there is a significant problem with violence at the related school.

It is my experience that school attendance rates are over estimated and hence absenteeism is underestimated.