The drug problem in the secondary schools

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of drug abuse in secondary schools among 14-16 year old students. Furthermore, the study proposes to investigate the causes of such abuse and tries to see what types of young people are at greater risk. The sample consisted of 447 fourteen - sixteen year old students of whom 216 were males and 231 females. These pupils come from six secondary schools and attend Forms 4 and 5 during the school year 1989-1990. Findings indicate that a drug problem does exist amongst our adolescents; boredom is a major factor in leading to drug abuse; all young people are at risk. This problem is the responsibility of each and every member of society.