Put an end to drug abuse among students: IGP

Drug Abuse is dangerously increasing among youth and there is a need to put an end to this problem, said IGP (Western Range) Prathap Reddy.

Speaking at a seminar organised by DK Zilla Panchayat Department of Public Instruction for Head Teachers of government, aided and unaided schools of Dakshina Kannada at Rosario Cultural Hall in Mangalore on Saturday, he said there is a need to control tobacco products and put an end of its use, especially with students.

School authorities play an important role and should provide feedback and give information if they notice drug abuse to the police authorities, he said.

Reddy also spoke against corporal punishment. "There was a time when children were beaten in schools and it was acceptable. However, it is wrong. Corporal punishment is punishable by law," he said.

Speaking on drug abuse by children, Prajna Counseling Centre Director Professor Hilda Rayappan said that avoiding risk factors is the best solution for drug abuse.

Children succumb to drugs because they are neglected at home, fail to achieve academic excellence, sibling rivalry, stress and many other factors. Parents can avoid this by communicating with the child and building a healthy relationship.

Parents should also be cautious and be in touch with their child's activities, she stressed.
She also advised schools to hold class wise PTA meetings. Parents and teachers should be in close touch discussing the development of the child, she said.

SDM College Lecturer Shalip spoke on the importance of gender sensitisation. Children take up gender roles from a very young age and gender stereotypes tend to build up.
There is a need to identify such stereotypes and analyze. We should be judicious about women's issues and not take them from granted, she said.

"Frame rules for children and discuss it out with them. Be open with them and don't use violence," she stressed.

District Sessions Judge Vishwanath Angadi said that every child should have legal awareness.

There are plans to introduce a book 'Lessons in Law' for High School level students. However, it is yet to be operational, he said.

He also said that teachers have been trained to be para legal volunteers. Dr Shikaripura Krishnamurthy spoke on the importance of moral values.

Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Dr K N Vijayprakash, Police Commissioner Manish Karbiker were present. More than 475 Head Teachers took part in the seminar.