CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background to the Study

There is growing concern worldwide today over growing number of youth using drugs that the law does not permit or prohibit. The existence and extent of drug use has been identified as one of the greatest problems in learning institutions. This affects various aspects of learning such as pupil’s discipline and interest in learning hence affecting academic performance. Drugs are chemical substances that modify mental, emotional and behavioral functioning, American Psychological Association (2010). According to, the World Drug report (2005) the use of illicit drugs has increased throughout the recent years. The report further states that a major world trend is the increasing availability of many kinds of drugs.

 

Drug abuse among school children can have a significant impact on their physical and mental health, as well as their academic performance. Substance abuse can lead to various health problems, including addiction, impaired cognitive function, and increased risk of accidents or injuries. It can also contribute to behavioral issues, such as aggression, poor decision-making, and difficulty concentrating in class.

 

When it comes to the roles of teachers and parents in addressing drug abuse among school children, they play crucial roles in prevention, intervention, and support. Teachers can educate students about the dangers of drug abuse through school programs and provide a safe and supportive environment for students to discuss their concerns. They can also identify signs of drug abuse and refer students to appropriate resources for help.

 

Parents, on the other hand, have a responsibility to communicate openly with their children about the risks and consequences of drug abuse. They can establish clear rules and expectations regarding substance use, monitor their children’s activities, and provide guidance and support. Parents should also be aware of any changes in their child’s behavior or academic performance, as these can be indicators of drug abuse.

 

A report released by United Nations Drugs Control Programme (2004) 4.8% of the global population consume drugs, but the worrying fact is that according to, United Nations Drugs Control Programme executive director (2004) those hooked are the youth. In China it was reported that drug use is going up while the age of new users is going down. A survey in the Czech Republic showed that 37% of new drug users were teenagers between 15-18 years old.

 

Drug use in particular heroine is becoming a serious problem in Egypt where around 6% of sampled primary school children admitted to have experimented with drugs. In Pakistan it was reported that the share of those who started using heroine at 15-20 years has doubled. Africa’s role in global drug supply chain is increasing. Already the continent is second largest region for cannabis production, trafficking and consumption accounting for 26% of global Seizures of this drug in 2001, UNDCP (2004).

In Nigeria today drug use has become more prevalent than at any other times, NAFDAC (2013). Majority of the users are children in primary schools, tertiary colleges and universities. According to, NAFDAC, the use of the drugs has spread at a fast rate and reached every part of the country. Use of drugs can be traced back to pre-colonial days when alcohol and other drugs were used and consumed as part of traditions of the communities. The communities had virtues and values that strictly guided the use of drugs. Generally consumption of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs was a privilege of the elders, more often than not male elders. The actual existence of drug use as a social problem was rare because of strong social structures. The low levels or non-existence of drug use was sustained as a result of strong kinship ties that ran through different social institutions. Traditions and taboos were upheld to discourage the misuse of drugs.

One of the most common consequences of drug use is keeping up with academic responsibilities. According to, National Institute on Alcohol and Alcoholism (2005) in United State of America about 25% of children experience difficulty in academics due to drug use. Such difficulties include earning low grades, doing poorly on test, missing class and falling behind in academic performance. Even children who don’t use drugs may suffer academically as a result of their peers taking drugs. The so-called primary effects of drugs include taking care of friends on drugs and being victims of assault which can affect school work of children who don’t use drug. These consequences can have dramatic end results. School administration report that significant number of children who drop out of school do so because drugs interfere with their academics.

Drug use undermine academic mission of schools, colleges and universities. Drug use and its effect on children performance can lead to a decline in the overall academic performance of a school as a result schools may face declining retention rates and poor reputation. Schools with reputation of ‘drug use’ may attract children who engage in high-risk behaviors and may discourage prospective children who are looking for an academically vigorous institution. Nigerians make use of different substances/drugs just in the same way as this is done in many other societies.

The population in Nigeria avails itself of substances/drugs when the occasion warrants them just as other population in the world do. Substances/drugs are abused in Nigeria simply because they are used without due authorization from formally qualified and registered persons who according to the laws of the land must approve their use. This observation is borne out by several studies on illness behaviour among Nigerians (Fawa, 2003; Obiamaka, 2004). According to Kalunta (2000), the most common substances/drug abuse in Nigeria are marijuana, amphetamines, mandrax, proplus, barbiturates and codeine that have negative effects to the youths, immediate society and Nigeria at large.

Unfortunately, youth that constitute the manpower and future of Nigerian society are mostly the victims (Abdullahi, 2011). Federal Ministry of Youths and Sport (2014) observed that, Nigerian youths aged 10-30 years are about 49% of the country’s population. National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (2010) observed that, over 38% of Nigerian Youths abuse drugs. According to Abang(2015), in contemporary Nigeria, many categories of youths (male and female) are hooked on substance/drugabuse . This includes an unbelievably large number of primary and primary school pupils, undergraduate children, servicemen, cattle-rearers, unemployed, nurses, pharmacists, and even medical doctors. According to Abdullahi (2005), substance/drug abuse leads to high rate of crime, fuel conflict, political thuggery, religious intolerance, raping, domestic violence, suicide, etc in the society. It also affects the psychological and physical conditions of abusers.

Odejide (2014) observed that the reasons advanced by the children for taking drug are: to feel on top like adults, to feel good, to get excited, to be like friends and to be like stars. The abuse of these drugs which leads to addiction among these children gradually progresses to affect their academic performance and cause a host of evil happenings on the campus and in our society, such as fighting andhooliganism.  In fact, some children indulge in exam-malpractices while others breakdown during examinations leading to failure and eventual drop-out, some become rudeand arrogant to lecturers and parents, occasionally causing riots and chaos on the campuses while some grow up to become criminals in the society leading them into prison-yards. However, the main objective of the work is to study the effects of drug abuse on the academic performance and social orientation of primary school children in Obio/Akpor.

 

It’s important for teachers and parents to work together in addressing drug abuse among school children. Collaboration between schools and families can help create a comprehensive approach to prevention and intervention. This may involve implementing drug education programs, providing counseling services, and connecting students and families with community resources for support.

 

 

 

Statement of the Problem

The effects of drug abuse can be quite devastating. Physically, it can lead to health problems such as heart disease, respiratory issues, liver damage, and even overdose. Mentally, it can lead to issues like depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. Academically, drug abuse can lead to poor performance, lack of concentration, and absenteeism. Socially, it can lead to isolation, conflict with peers, and involvement in criminal activities.

 

Drug abuse has become rampant in the society, Nigerian society inclusive; and unfortunately, the age of abusers keeps reducing from generation to generation. And so is the spectrum of the drugs abused; despite government’s concern and heightened campaigns against the vice among high school children, there exists a parallel accelerated rate of children who are illicit drug users. Although, children are expected to be aware of the effects of drug abuse and commit themselves to their studies, the habit still exists and has so far been difficult to eliminate.

Drug abuse negatively affects children’ minds and thought processes, predisposing them to errant behavioural tendencies such as thuggery, hooliganism. It is also speculated that it affects children’ academics through events such as: missing of classes, truancy, gangsterism etc., possibly leading to occasional waves school unrest.

It is believed that, if drug abuse, together with other factors that negatively influence children’ academic performance among primary children is checked, children’ performances would improve and they would showcase themselves as responsible members of society.

 

Purpose of the Study

The main purpose of this study was to assess the Effect of drug abuse among school children and the roles of teachers and parents in Obio/Akpor. Specifically, this study aimed:

1. identifying the influence of drug abuse on academic performance among primary school children.
2. establishing whether drug abuse affects discipline among primary school children
3. ascertain whether drug abuse influences learning interest among primary school children.
4. determine the influence of drug abuse on social behaviours among primary school children.

 

Research Questions

The following research questions were answered in the course of this study:

• What is the influence of drug abuse on academic performance among primary school children?
• Does drug abuse affect discipline among primary school children?
• Does drug abuse influences learning interest among primary school children?
• What the influence of drug abuse on social behaviours among primary school children?

Research Hypotheses

The following hypotheses were tested in the course of this study:

1. Drug abuse will not significantly influence academic performance among primary school children.
2. Drug abuse will not significantly affect discipline among primary school children.
3. Drug abuse will not significantly influence learning interest among primary school children.
4. Drug abuse will not significantly influence social behaviours among primary school children.

 

Significance of the study

The findings of the study will be useful to the Community, Institutions of learning and Mainland Local Government.The study would reveal the influence of drugs on children academic performance and in their behavioural aspects. There are many parents and teachers with questions as to why their children don’t perform as expected; the government is also looking for explanations as to why the youth aredropping out of school.

 

Thus, this study would play an important role in reducing, or even preventing high rates of drug use and abuse. Basedon the findings, recommendations will be made. If followed, these recommendations would be useful to administrators and local government in curbing drug abuse in schools by improving existing educational programmes, and striving to develop ones that are even more efficient.

 

Apart from proposing more effective preventive measures in relation to drug abuse, the study will also provide a background for other studies in its prevention. This would help in promoting a drug-free school environment and better academic performance, thus improving the standards of education in the county. In the absence of specific policies on drug abuse in schools this study will make important recommendations on the way forward.

 

• Scope of the study

This study covers the Effect of drug abuse among school children and the roles of teachers and parents In Obio/Akpor, delimited to Obio/Akpor.

 

• Operational Definition of Terms

• Alcohol abuse: A pattern of drinking that results in harm to one’s health, interpersonal relationships, or ability to work.
• Academic Performance: The extent to which a pupil has achieved his or her educational goals.
• Barbiturates: They are drugs that act as central nervous system depressants. They produce effects ranging from mild sedation to total anaesthesia e.g. sleeping pills
• Drug: Any product other than food or water that affects the way people feel, think, see, and behave. It is a substance that due to its chemical nature affects physical, mental and emotional functioning.
• Drug abuse:The use of drugs for purposes other than medical reasons, thus affecting the individual in a negative way socially, cognitively or physically.
• Influence: the power to change or affect someone, the power to cause changes without directly forcing them to happen.
• Marijuana Abuse: Preparation of the cannabis plant intended for use as a psychoactive drug.
• Orientation: a person’s basic attitude, beliefs, or feelings in relation to a particular subject or issue.