Crisis looms in schools

AN alarming breakdown of discipline in the country’s secondary schools is yet another worrying side effect of the growing abuse of alcohol and drugs among students.

The extent of this problem is acknowledged by the ASTI, the union representing secondary teachers, illustrating the urgent need for an action plan to promote better behaviour in the classroom and schoolyard.

Despite their ongoing differences over pupil supervision, Education Minister Dempsey should respond positively to the call by ASTI president PJ Sheehy for talks on behavioural problems caused by drink and drugs.

Parents will share the concerns of teachers over the emergence of new disciplinary problems related to the abuse of alcohol and drugs. According to a recent survey, some students are turning to casual work to

fund their weekend binges.

Already coping with persistent low-level behavioural problems, teachers are now facing a rising incidence of extreme disciplinary problems in our schools, according to Mr Sheehy.

While teachers and students may differ about the root cause of this phenomenon, they agree that alcohol and drug abuse are increasing at an alarming rate.

This is a crisis in the making and one that can only be averted by a combined approach involving students, parents, teachers, policy makers and the wider community.