KOCHI: With drug abuse among students in city schools on the rise, the Excise Department has launched a mass awareness drive. Drug awareness classes are being conducted in many schools. According to the police, the maximum number of drug users are in government schools.Science teacher Bhaskaran of SRV government high school, Ernakulam, says, “Most of our students belong to poor and broken families who live in slums. These children are far more exposed to adults smoking and drinking alcohol than the children of middle-class families. We are able to identify those students who are indulging in these vices by looking at their stained teeth and red eyes.”The excise department is making the best efforts, especially in government schools, says Mohanan, the Deputy Commissioner, Excise Department. “We are concentrating on the students of Class 9 and 10, because adolescence is the age when they become most vulnerable.”Classes have been given under the supervision of experts like Dr Ranjith Kumar, lecturer of Adi Sankara College, and Advocate Charlie Paul. As part of the awareness programmes, banners have been put up in schools and public places highlighting the dangers of using tobacco products, drugs, and alcohol. Narcotic clubs, like nature clubs, have also been set up in the schools. “If there are students who want to get out of their drug habit, the clubs will help,” says Mohanan.The Excise Department also brought Magician Mudhugad to the city to do shows which makes it easy for children to understand the dangers of taking drugs. “The 'Magic with a Mission' show was a successful step taken by us,” says Mohanan.Asked the reason why there is a spurt of drug users, Mohanan blames parents and relatives for smoking or drinking alcohol in front of the children. “As a result, there is a desire within the child to try both himself,” he says. “I feel there should be classes for parents instead of concentrating only on the children.”He also blames the influence of the media. “Many teenagers see film stars smoking and drinking and they think it is a macho thing to do,” says Mohanan. “It would be nice if film-makers no longer show such scenes.”Meanwhile, it was Justice Narayana Kurup who struck the first blow when he implemented a law which banned shops from selling tobacco or drugs within 100 yards (98 m) of a school. “This is a good law, but we cannot say that it has been implemented completely,” says Mohanan. “Meanwhile, the government should take firm steps so that children are unable to buy alcohol from the outlets of the Kerala State Beverages Corporation.”
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