Effective weapons to fight drug abuse
Frequent news of teenage drug abuse in schools, public parks and on beaches has shocked the community. Hong Kong people are deeply concerned about their children's education, and they often make significant sacrifices for it: this is part of the community's value system. Hence, there is a demand for the government to respond.
Initially, Commissioner for Narcotics Sally Wong Pik-yee promised that the Education Bureau would issue more detailed guidelines to schools on the handling of student drug abuse problems. Hong Kong people were, apparently, disappointed. Then, Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee Siu-kwong appealed to mobilise all Hongkongers in the war on drug abuse. The community agrees with Mr Lee that this cannot be fought by the police and the Security Bureau alone. Co-operation from parents of students and schools is essential.
The prevalence of drug abuse in schools is a serious social problem; it reflects problems in the family life and school life of those concerned. In general, the problem will be effectively contained if students can enjoy a happy family life and a healthy school life.
Though Hong Kong parents want their children to do well and provide generous financial support, they are often busy. If both parents work very long hours, their children may feel neglected. This is often how drug dealers snare their victims. From the drug abuse problem to the all-round education of teenagers, family life is the key; the solution lies in parents spending more time with their children.
Concerning school life, the immediate issue is to be aware of the drug abuse problem. Close co-operation among parents, school social workers, the police and the Commission for Narcotics is essential. More detailed guidelines from the Education Bureau, visits to schools by the police-school liaison officers and community-relations personnel all help. Some schools appear reluctant to face the problem because they are concerned about their reputation. Hence, they are unwilling to approach the police or even seek support from parents.
But the most fundamental issue is to ensure teachers have ample time for student contact, to care for and understand their students, and to organise extra-curricular activities. If teachers have the time and are conscious of their mission to promote the all-round development of students, the war against drug abuse is half won.
A voluntary drug testing scheme at schools is controversial; parents' attitudes must be respected. But the tests and their publicity are short-term measures. The major threat to a healthy school life in Hong Kong has been teachers' heavy administrative burden. Too often, the objective of extra-curricular activities is to win honours.
At the same time, when teachers attempt to discipline students, they often do not have the support of the parents concerned; and sometimes, not even of the school authorities, who want to avoid complaints and trouble. Under such circumstances, some teachers become discouraged.
Today, fewer teachers have time to play sports or go for picnics with students, for example. Such activities enable teachers to understand students' problems and development - a most effective weapon to control the drug problem in schools.
Drug abuse among schoolchildren is a symptom of the broader problems in education. Mobilising the whole of society to fight this war is not sustainable. Not only should students be happy at school, but their teachers should be, too. To achieve this, we have to show them respect and give them a good working environment.
Drug abuse at school is a problem in the west. Authorities there have also tried to mobilise the community, but with limited success. The issue is worthy of our attention, but let us first tackle our school environment and the entire education system.
Joseph Cheng Yu-shek is a professor of political science at City University of Hong Kong
