Education Minister answers questions re: substance
abuse

Follow-up question by Cheryllyn Dudley MP for the ACDP:

Mrs Dudley MP put the following questions to the Minister of Education,
yesterday in the National Assembly

Thursday, 13 September 2001

Arising from the Ministers' response:

*
Did the Minister consult with other departments on the issue of
drug testing in schools and in particular did you consult with the
Central Drug Authority before taking the decision to stop drug testing
in schools; if not why not;
*

Can you tell us Honourable Minister, if substance abuse is being
addressed at primary school level especially in light of the UNISA
department of criminology survey of 35 schools, which found that one
third admitted smoking dagga and 23% of these were under 21 years;
*

Are teachers being equipped to identify substance abuse and to
make appropriate referrals, and is abuse of alcohol by teachers being
addressed;
*

Finally, are there plans for equipping parents to reduce risk
behaviour by adolescents; if so what are the relevant details?


THE MINISTERS' RESPONSE:


*

Yes, comprehensive policy for primary schools
*

Yes, we have consulted widely with all, including the police.
*

There is a great consciousness that alcohol abuse is a serious
matter and teachers will be dealt with.
*

Yes plans are underway, a national policy on drug abuse should
be available before the year-end.


NB: It is my understanding that the Minister did not in fact consult
with the Central Drug Authority.

Kind regards
Cheryllyn Dudley MP

_____

For more information please call Cheryllyn Dudley MP at 082 8906520 or
ACDP Media Liaison Liza Lambert at 082 4781037