Identifying at risk students
A student may be at risk if a combination of the following factors is present:
- a dysfunctional family
- parents who misuse drugs or suffer mental illness
- behavioural disorders
- neglect
- inappropriate/aggressive classroom behaviours
- failure at or lack of commitment to school
- limited social skills
- friends who use drugs
- low socioeconomic status
- experimentation with drugs at an early age
- a favourable attitude towards drug use.
The following signs or symptoms may indicate involvement with drugs:
- a marked personality change, mood swings
- physical changes such as weight loss or gain, slurred speech, staggering gait, sluggish reactions, dilated pupils, sweating, over-talkativeness, euphoria, nausea and vomiting
- a change in school performance
- guarded contact with others by phone or arranged meeting
- a pressing need for funds.
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These positive factors may help lessen effects of risk factors:
- strong family bonds
- family involvement in the lives of children
- success at school
- good social skills
- involvement in local community activities
- a caring relationship with at least one adult.
Schools may be able to assist by doing some or all of the following:
- encouraging supportive and safe relationships
- ensuring regular and meaningful school attendance
- developing personal and social skills
- improving academic skills
- building supportive social networks
- encouraging positive attitudes
- teaching an understanding of how to access information
- conveying an understanding of how to delay involvement with drugs
- providing knowledge of legal and illegal drugs, their effects and their risks
- facilitating access to counselling.
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