Drugs and Substance Abuse in Schools

2140 Words9 Pages
Ministry of Education, Science & Technology POLICY IN DRUGS AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE IN SCHOOLS CONTENTS TOPIC 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 POLICY OBJECTIVE POLICY BACKGROUND RELEVANT LEGISLATION AND OTHER LINKS 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0 PROCEDURES EFFECTIVE DATE REVIEW DATE KEY SEARCH WORDS APPROVAL APPENDICES 5 6 6 6 6 7 PAGE 2 2 2 4 1. POLICY OBJECTIVE This Policy aims to: • • • promote and maintain a healthy, safe and drug free environment in our schools in Fiji where the welfare of students is paramount; identify the role of the school community in the prevention of drug related problems; document the Ministry of Education, Science & Technology (Henceforth called ‘the Ministry’) agreed position on, and accepted procedures for dealing with drug related incidents. 2. POLICY 2.1 The Ministry does not permit the possession, consumption promotion, distribution, or sale of all drugs including alcohol, tobacco and marijuana. These will not be tolerated on school environment premises or at any school function within or outside the school. These drugs are: • • • • Marijuana and other illicit drugs Tobacco Alcohol Inhalants 2.2 The Ministry recognises the social, cultural and ceremonial significance of yaqona but will not condone alcohol consumption in the school compound. 3. BACKGROUND 3.1 Introduction Drug and substance abuse is ranked as one of the worst amongst Fiji’s problems as it has detrimental effects on health, our society, the economy and security of the Nation. The National Substance Abuse Advisory Council NSAAC is a statutory body that was established through the National Substance Abuse Advisory Council Act of 1998 to work under the Ministry. Cabinet has agreed that the primary objective of NSAAC should be, ‘the promotion of health and the minimisation of harm associated with the abuse and misuse of alcohol and other substances for students in schools and the
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