Ways of Preventing Drug Abuse – JSS2 Social Studies Lesson Note (Second Term)

Drug abuse can be prevented through the school curriculum, family awareness, public enlightenment programmes and school talks by experts. Each way aims to teach children, parents and youths what drug abuse is and how it harms their future, so that they can avoid it.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• State four ways of preventing drug abuse.
• Explain how the school curriculum helps to prevent drug abuse.
• Describe how parents can help to prevent drug abuse in the family.
• List the methods used to reach parents in public enlightenment programmes.

What are the ways of preventing drug abuse?

1. The school curriculum

The inclusion of the topic in the primary and post-primary curriculum is a good decision on the part of the government. It sensitises school children to what drug abuse is and its effects on their future.

2. Family awareness

Through the mass media, parents get more information about drug abuse and its effects. Parents will in turn educate their children and advise them against it.

3. Public enlightenment programmes on drug abuse

The government should intensify efforts to educate parents and youths about the effects of drug abuse.

Children in public and private schools should be visited, while adults (parents) are reached through handbills, posters, billboards and electronic media programmes.

4. Schools

School authorities should from time to time educate their students on the subject of drug abuse. Special talks should be organised where experts are invited to educate the students.

Evaluation

1. State four ways of preventing drug abuse.
2. How does the school curriculum help to prevent drug abuse?
3. Name three ways of reaching parents in public enlightenment programmes.
4. What can school authorities do to educate students about drug abuse?

Assignment

In your exercise book, explain in a short paragraph how parents and schools can help to prevent drug abuse among children.