SOCIAL FACTORS INFLUENCING ADOLESCENT DRUG ABUSE IN HIGH SCHOOLS IN ATTERIDGEVILLE

SOCIAL FACTORS INFLUENCING ADOLESCENT DRUG ABUSE IN HIGH SCHOOLS IN ATTERIDGEVILLE (GUIDANCE AND COUNSELLING PROJECT TOPICS AND MATERIALS)

CHAPTER 1- INTRODUCTION TO THE RESEARCH

1.1   Introduction

In today’s society more and more adolescents are experimenting with, and using drugs regularly (Pretoria News, 2000:3). The aim of this study is to investigate the social factors that influence adolescent drug abuse.

1.2   Background

Drug abuse is on the increase amongst adolescents (Department of Education, 2000). As a result of the increase of adolescent drug abuse guidelines on the implementation of drug policies have been issued to schools by the Department of Education (2000), with a mandate that schools must develop and submit their own drug policies. Part three of the Circular lists disciplinary measures and procedures to be followed when a learner is in possession of drugs.

The researcher is aware that the community of Atteridgeville is experiencing the following problems: unemployment, poverty, child-headed households, aidsorphans, crime and overcrowded conditions. There are drug-dealers who supply learners with drugs and use them to sell the drugs in schools. The researcher also found that learners are abusing nyaope (mixture of dagga and mandrax).

1.3   Statement of the problem

Drug abuse amongst learners from high schools in Atteridgeville is increasing. Learners, who abuse drugs, are from different socio-economic backgrounds. Some are from broken families, some are from “normal” families, some are from rich families and some are from poor families. The researcher would like to determine which social factors influence adolescent drug abuse.

1.4     Research Questions

Main question

What are the social factors contributing to drug abuse among learners in Atteridgeville high schools?

SOCIAL FACTORS INFLUENCING ADOLESCENT DRUG ABUSE IN HIGH SCHOOLS IN ATTERIDGEVILLE (GUIDANCE AND COUNSELLING PROJECT TOPICS AND MATERIALS)