Drug abuse is a growing issue among young people in Aotearoa, and it comes with a myriad of health, social, and legal implications with long-lasting effects on them and their families. We must equip young people with the knowledge and resources to make informed decisions about drug use. Incorporating drug education into the school curriculum is a vital step towards reducing substance abuse through early prevention.
By introducing a drug education program in schools, we can provide students with ubiased information about the risks and consequences associated with illicit drug use. Currently, drug education is mandated in the Health and Physical Education Curriculum only for students up to year 10. But in practise, the topic of drug abuse is barely ever explored past a brief identification of hard drugs and their immediate physical consequences. Students are left unaware of the systemic issues driving drug addiction, how vulnerability differs across communities, and how to take action against addiction. This will not be effective in destigmatising support and discouraging youth drug use.
It is imperative that this education is age-appropriate, culturally sensitive, and based on the latest evidence and research findings. This would allow us to address the unique social factors that create differing types of vulnerability across communities.
We call upon the New Zealand Ministry of Education to take immediate action to incorporate more comprehensive drug education into the school curriculum in both middle and high school. By doing so, we are safeguarding the well-being of future generations. Sign this petition to support the implementation and development of drug education in New Zealand schools and help create a safer, more informed community.