In recent years, the consumption of alcohol among school-age children has emerged as a pressing global public health concern. Adolescence-a critical period characterized by rapid social, emotional, and physical development often involves experimentation and risk-taking behaviors, making young individuals more susceptible to substance use. The pervasive influence of traditional media, social media, and cultural practices further exacerbates this vulnerability, increasing adolescents’ exposure to alcohol and other substances. (1)
I work in Public health, focusing on prevention and awareness programs in schools to educate students about the dangers of tobacco, alcohol, and drug use. As part of my efforts, I have conducted sessions in different schools across Tarakeshowor Municipality, engaging with students of various grades through interactive discussions and role playing activities.
Substance use among teenagers is a growing concern in Nepal. Many school-going students are exposed to tobacco, alcohol, and drugs at an early age due to peer pressure, curiosity, stress, and societal influences. With the rise in urban café culture, it’s common to see teenagers smoking cigarettes after school hours, often influenced by their surroundings. Unfortunately, what starts as a social habit can quickly turn into an addiction, impacting their health and future.
To address this issue,my team and I have designed sessions that not only inform but also engage students in practical learning through role play.By acting out real-life situations,students can better understand the effects of substances abuse,the power of peer influence and strategies to resist temptations.
The Growing Concern of Substance Abuse in Nepal
According to the data from the Current Hard Drug Users(CHDU) Survey,2063/2069, conducted by the Central Bureau of Statistics in association with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA), the number of drug abusers has drastically increased in Nepal.
In 2063, there were 46,309 drug users, which nearly doubled in 2069, reaching 91,534 users, a 98% increase. The annual growth rate of drug users is 11.36%.(2)
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The Need for Substance Abuse Awareness Among Students
Substance abuse is not just an individual problem-it affects families, communities, and society as a whole. Teenagers are particularly vulnerable, as they are often unaware of the long-term consequences of their actions.
Through our school sessions, we focus on:
- What are tobacco, alcohol, and drugs?
- Why do people start using them?
- Why are these substances addictive?
- What are craving symptoms and withdrawal effects?
- What are the long-term health risks of substance abuse?
- Why should students avoid these substances?
To make these concepts more relatable, we divide students into groups and give them different scenarios to act out. These activities help them visualize the social and health impacts of substance use, making the lessons more memorable and impactful.
The Power of Role Play in Schools about Substance Abuse Awareness
Lectures and presentations provide valuable information, but students learn best through experience. Role play allows them to step into different characters and experience firsthand how substance use can affect their lives. By acting out scenarios, they realize how difficult it can be to resist peer pressure and how addiction can impact their health, relationships, and future goals.
Some of the scenarios we present include:
- A student being pressured by friends to try a cigarette.
- The long-term health consequences of excessive alcohol consequences.
- A student standing up to peer pressure and making a healthy decision.
At the end of each session, students reflected on their performances and discussed what they had learned. This interactive method helps reinforce key messages and helps students feel empowered to make the right choices.
Why do Teenagers Start Using Tobacco, Drugs, and Alcohol?
- Peer Pressure: Many teenagers start using substances because their friends do it.
- Stress and Emotional Issues: Academic pressure, Family problems, and personal struggles lead some teenagers to seek temporary relief from alcohol or drugs.
- Curiosity and Experimentation: The influence of social media, movies, and societal norms makes young people want to try something new and exciting.”
- Easy Availability: Many teenagers have easy access to cigarettes and alcohol from local shops and cafés.
- Lack of Awareness: Many students are unaware of the addictive nature and health consequences of substance use.
How can We Make Students More Aware?
1. Strengthening School-Based Awareness Programs
- Incorporate sessions like Role Play in Schools.
- Organize interactive discussions where students can openly express their thoughts and concerns.
2. Encouraging Parental Guidance
- Parents need to be aware of their children’s activities and behavior.
- Families should have open conversations about peer pressure and substance use.
- Setting a good example by avoiding tobacco and alcohol at home can make a huge difference.
3. Regulating Cafés and Shops Near Schools
- Authorities should monitor cafés that allow underage students to smoke.
4. Organizing Community Awareness Campaigns
- Conduct street dramas and skits in local communities to spread awareness.
- Organize awareness through informative pamphlets.
- Utilize social media platforms to share educational content that reaches a broader audience.
Conclusion:
The role play sessions we conducted in schools were not only informative but also highly engaging. The students actively participated, showcasing their understanding of the scenarios and delivering strong messages at the end of each act. Their enthusiasm and creativity in acting out real-life situations demonstrated that they genuinely absorbed the lessons and understood the consequences of substance abuse. Some students even shared their personal experiences, highlighting the pressure they feel from peers and the struggles of resisting temptation.
The impact of these sessions was evident in their discussions afterward, where they reflected on how they would handle similar situations in real life. Many students expressed gratitude for learning practical ways to say no to peer pressure and recognized the importance of making healthy choices from a young age. Teachers and school administrators also acknowledged the effectiveness of the role play method in conveying critical health messages.
Moving forward,it is essentail to expand these awareness programs to more schools and communities.Educators,parents,and policymakers must work together to create a safe and supportive environment where teenagersfeel empowered to make informed choices.Strengthening school policies, encouraging open conversations at home, and regulating external influences such as cafés and shops selling tobacco near schools are crucial steps in preventing substance abuse among students.
By fostering awareness early, we can equip students with the knowledge and confidence to resist peer pressure and make responsible decisions. The positive response from students during our role play activities reinforces effective learning in shaping young minds. With continued efforts, we can create a future where young individuals grow up informed, resilient, and free from the harmful effects of tobacco, drugs, and alcohol.
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