Contextual Influences of Substance Abuse Problems among School Children

Abstract

Developing countries are experiencing serious problems of substance abuse. The substances include tobacco, substance abuse, marijuana and glue sniffing. Developments such as improved socio-economic status, increased movement of people and improved communication technology, also influence the substance abuse trade and leads to an increase in substance abuse. Individuals, families and communities all suffer as a result of substance abuse since this form of abuse exhausts people’s physical, intellectual, and economic resources (Mhlongo 2005). The fact is that substance abuse seriously threatens learners’ holistic development. Substance abuse not only affects the learner, but also the family, the school and the rest of the community. In recent years, substance abuse among school learners in South Africa has increased, particularly in townships. Indeed, substance abuse is so serious in the townships that the police have decided to make random searches for illegal substance possession at specific notorious hotspot.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n13p361