Four contributing factors that lead to an increase of learners abusing substance in schools
One is peer pressure and another is the availability of the substances.
1. Peer Influence: One contributing factor to the increase in substance abuse among learners in schools is peer influence. Learners may feel pressured to fit in or be part of a particular group that engages in substance abuse. They might be influenced by their peers who already abuse substances, seeing it as a way to be accepted or to be seen as cool.
2. Stress and Pressure: Another contributing factor is the excessive stress and pressure that learners face in schools. Academic expectations, social issues, and personal problems can lead to increased stress levels. Learners might turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with these pressures and escape from their problems temporarily.
3. Lack of Awareness and Education: A lack of comprehensive substance abuse education and prevention programs in schools can contribute to an increase in substance abuse among learners. If learners are not properly educated about the risks, consequences, and alternatives to substance abuse, they may be more likely to experiment with drugs and alcohol.
4. Accessibility: Easy access to drugs and alcohol is another factor that contributes to substance abuse in schools. Some learners may have access to substances either through older friends, family members, or even drug dealers within or around the school premises. When substances are readily available, it increases the likelihood of learners engaging in substance abuse.
It's important to note that these factors are not exhaustive, and each individual's situation may be influenced by a combination of these factors or other personal circumstances.
Identifying the contributing factors that lead to an increase in substance abuse among learners in schools requires a comprehensive understanding of the issue. While there may be several factors at play, here are four commonly recognized factors:
1. Peer Influence: Peer pressure plays a significant role in shaping the behavior of learners. If a student's peers are involved in substance abuse activities, they may encourage others to join in or feel pressured to conform. To explore this factor, you could conduct surveys or interviews to gather information on students' social circles and their experiences with peer influence.
2. Stress and Mental Health Challenges: High levels of stress, anxiety, and mental health challenges can contribute to substance abuse among learners. Academic pressure, bullying, family issues, and the desire to escape from problems are factors that may drive students to turn to substances. Conducting surveys or interviews that address mental health concerns and stress levels can provide insight into this factor.
3. Lack of Awareness and Education: Insufficient education and awareness about the dangers and consequences of substance abuse can leave learners ill-equipped to make informed decisions. Assessing the quality and extent of substance abuse prevention programs in schools, including the curriculum and resources available to students, can help identify gaps in knowledge and awareness.
4. Easy Access to Substances: Availability and accessibility of substances within or near school environments increase the likelihood of learners abusing them. Identifying the extent of substance availability in schools, examining security procedures, and investigating sources of substances can help determine the influence of this factor.
To obtain a comprehensive understanding of these contributing factors, it is recommended to gather data from various sources, such as conducting surveys, interviews, focus groups, and reviewing existing research studies. Analyzing the data collected will enable the development of appropriate interventions and strategies to address substance abuse among learners in schools.