Don’t smoke drugs on a school run!
It appears that Amanda Casey, the principal of Longview Primary School in Liverpool, UK,does not compromise on discipline — even with the parents of her students. Casey had said at least two parents had been seen either buying drugs or lighting up a joint outside the school gates when they dropped off their children.
Casey was so appalled that she took immediate action bywriting a strongly-worded newsletter to the parents of her pupils. She appealed to the common sense of the “minority” of parents responsible to “put the reputation of our school and the children’s needs first.”
The parents are said to have seen doing drugs outside Longview primary school in Huyton, Liverpool, which has 300 pupils aged three to 11. Miss Casey said the “disturbing incidents” were being witnessed in full view of the students.
More than recreational use
One parent was also spotted buying drugs from a car parked outside the school just after lunchtime, while another was seen smoking a joint of cannabis at the start of the school day.
Miss Casey outlined her recommendations to parents in the newsletter: “It is the responsibility of everyone at Longview to ensure that the environment both in and around the school is one which is both safe and makes our children feel proud. On one occasion a parent was seen apparently buying drugs from a car at around 1.15pm and at another time a mother appeared to be smoking cannabis at 9am. The fact that both of these events took place very close to our school, when there are children around, causes me a great deal of concern.”
Other parents’ responses
One parent who received the newsletter commented: “I am shocked at what’s gone on. If they are smoking drugs at the school gates I worry about what sort of home life their children will have.”
When contacted, a spokesman for Knowsley council said: “The school received reports of alleged drug activity taking place close to the school:
“This information has been passed on to the appropriate agencies. The welfare and safety of our pupils is our priority and prompt action was taken. Whilst incidents of this nature are extremely rare they are taken very seriously.”
Local police said that while it had not had official reports of parents’ drug use, the force would be liaising with the school.
Substance abuse affects all ages
It is not only youths who abuse drugs — adults are just as susceptible. Addicts are concerned only with the substance – finding and getting the next dose. Similarly, the family of an addict are concerned about the addict: Will he get arrested today? Can he do his job? Will we lose our home? This places the family under a huge amount of stress. As a result there is a tense family atmosphere, which can result in denial of the problem.
Steps to take when dealing with an addict:
1. Avoid passing judgement, even if the addict has hurt you.
2. Learn what you can about the condition. Consult a doctor or a trained counsellor.
3. Show support by arranging a meeting with a counsellor or self-help group with the addicted person.
Do not:
1. Give the addict money, which may be used for getting more drugs. If possible, pay for items by cheque or credit card.
2. Cover up or make excuses for the addict by calling their boss or friends. An addict needs to see the full effects of their actions on the people around them.
3. Get impatient during the recovery process. Appreciate small victories from day-to-day
Source: The Telegraph
