NAME: NGOANAMOGALE MAGDELINE MAPONYA
STUDENT NO.: ST10130478
PROGRAMME CODE: BEI312
MODULE CODE: ERPR7412
GROUP NO.: 01
DUE DATE: 15 AUGUST 2023
LECTURE: SHELDON NAIDOO
TASK 1
RESEARCH TITLE

The increased use of illegal and legal substances in primary schools by grade
7 learners in South Africa.
RESEARCH TOPIC

Exploring the prevalence, risk factors on impact of illegal substances such as
illegal drugs and legal substances such as alcohol and tobacco use among
primary school learners in grade 7 in South Africa.
BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
The main aim of conducting this research is to investigate the substance abuse
among the South Africa’s grade 7 learners in primary schools. Most learners learn
how how to smoke and drink by the age of 12 years and they would still be in
primary in grade 7. Drug usage typically begins during adolescence, and addressing
substance abuse at an early stage can have a significant impact on future outcomes
(Marshal, Friedman, Stall, King, Miles, Gold, Bukstein and Morse, 2008). The
accessibility of substances in communities and peer influences play a significant role
in shaping substance use behaviors among learners (Marshal, Friedman, Stall, King,
Miles, Gold, Bukstein and Morse, 2008)
Studies have shown an increase in self-reported problem use of illegal substances
among youth, emphasizing the urgency to address this issue(Pasche and Myers,
2012). According to the South Africa Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), the
consumption of illegal drugs is increasing in South Africa faster in any part of the
world (SADAG, 2016). The use of substances by learners is becoming normalized,
and this normalization has detrimental effects on their overall development.
The increased use of illegal and legal substances in primary schools in South Africa
is a concerning issued that requires attention. Several factors contribute to this trend,
including social and economic challenges, peer pressure, lack of parental involvent,
and inadequate drug education programs (Bah, 2018). It is essential to understand
the background and reasons behind this issue to effectively address it and create a
safe and drug-free environment for children in primary schools.
The number of learners involved in substances abuse is increasingly high
(Khuzwayo, Taylor & Connoly, 2018). According to studies, substance use can lead
to the initiation of illicit drug use among learners. It is important to note that drug
education in schools has been implemented to address this issue, with the belief that
education can positively influence behavior. The department of education introduced
Life Orientation to try and educate the learners about the drug abuse and it was also
their way to try to reduce the number of learners who use drugs.
The use of substances has become normalized in South Africa, and accessibility to
legal and illegal substances plays a significant role in their usage. Communities,
along with public drinking, contribute to the increased availability of substances,
making learners more susceptible to using them.The environment where these
learners grows up can play a big role in how their behaviour is going to be shaped. If
a child grows up with parents or people who drink and smoke everyday, they are
going to are going to see it as a normal thing, so they’ll also follow those footsteps of
their elders and it will turn into a habit. The increase use of illegal and legal
substances in South African primary schools can lead to the children dropping out at
an early age and become alcoholics and also drug addicts.
RESEARCH PROBLEM
Substance abuse among young learners is a serious problem that can have longlasting effects on their physical and mental health, as well as their academic
performance and overall well-being. Substance use and abuse especially among the
youth have been identified as important issues to be dealt with, in improving the
health and economy of South Africa. Drug use, cigarette smoking and alcohol
drinking may reduce tension and frustration, relieve boredom and fatigue, and in
some cases helpadolescents to escape the harsh realities of their world. Drugs may
provide pleasure by giving inner peace, joy, relaxation, kaleidoscopic perceptions,
surges of exhilaration, or prolonged heightened sensation. On the other hand, drugs
affect them directly or indirectly, regardless of age, gender, culture, ethnic
background, education, race, or socioeconomic status (Madu and Matla, 2013)
The teachers are unable to teach the learners because they are always under the
influence of illegal substance. They are hardly at school, it’s either they are at the
tuckshops or school toilets, but they left their households with the intention of going
to school. The use of illegal drugs is a problem not only for teachers but also for the
learners and the parents. The learners that use drugs bully they tend to bully either
learners other learners and it affects those learners mentally. They are very
disruptive, very disrespectful they are never in class. Alcohol and drugs among the
learners can lead to expulsion in school (Hartnack, 2017).
Substance abuse among primary school learners can have a significant impact on
their lives. What I’ve experienced is that learners start using illegal and legal
substances because of peer pressure. Primary school learners in grade 7 may face
peer pressure to experiment with drugs or alcohol. They may feel the need to fit in or
be accepted by their peers, which can lead to engaging in substance use. Another
thing I’ve experienced is that some learners use the illegal and legal substances as a
coping mechanism. Learners turn to substances as a way to cope with
stress,anxiety, or other emotional difficulties. They see substances as a temporary
escape or a way to numb their emotions. The influence from family and comminuty
also is part of the experiences. Learners are influenced by family members or even
members of their community who use substances. Those learners end up perceiving
substance use as a normative behaviour due to the environment in which they are
raised.
The substance use in primary school needs to be solved, because they are the
future if there’s nothing done to change the situation then that basically means South
Africa will go down. It affects their academic perfomance, the learners’ health is at
risk and the school’s safety. By taking measure to put an end the use of illegal
substances in schools, it is possible to improve health outcomes, academic success
and school security and aslo decrease the overall expenses of drug abuse. The main
purpose for this research is to deepen our understanding the causes, consequences,
and potential solutions to illegal and legal substances abuse and addiction. This
study encompass a wide range of topics, including the effectiveness of drug
prevention and treatment programs and cultural that contribute to drug use.
RELEVANCE AND MOTIVATION OF THE INTENDED STUDY
This study focuses on how the use of illegal and legal substances is increasing in
schools (Boys, Marsden and Strang, 2001). Studying the use of illegal and legal
substances in primary school learners in grade 7 in South Africa is highly relevant
due to its significant impact on the well-being and future outcomes of these learners.
Substance use at a young age can have long-term consequences on individuals'
physical and mental health, academic performance, and overall well-being.
Grade 7 is a critical stage in the development of learners, and early intervention is
crucial in addressing substance use. By studying substance use among primary
school learners, researchers can identify the risk factors, motivations, and underlying
issues that contribute to substance use at this age. This knowledge can inform the
development of effective prevention and intervention programs that can be
implemented early to mitigate the negative consequences of substance abuse
(Sloboda, 1997).
The use of illegal substances and alcohol in schools has become a big concern not
only for the parents or guardians, but also for the administrators, policy matters,
criminal justice personnel, and concerned citizens (Makgoka, 2020). This study can
help raise awareness among students, parents and educators about the dangers of
drug use and the importance of prevention and early intervention. It can also shed
light on the factors that contribute to drug use among students, such as peer
pressure, stress and mental health issues.
The study can provide educators and school administrators with a better
understanding of the factors contributing to substance abuse in primary schools. This
knowledge can help them design and implement appropriate prevention and
intervention strategies within the school setting. Parents and guardians play a crucial
role in the well-being of their children. The study can provide them with valuable
information about the prevalence and factors associated with substance abuse
among grade 7 learners.
To gain a deeper understanding of the personal experiences of primary school
learners, it would be important to conduct qualitative research, such as interviews or
focus groups, with students who have encountered or witnessed substance abuse in
their school or community. Through these personal accounts, researchers can
gather valuable insights into the reasons why learners engage in substance abuse,
the social and peer pressures they face, and the impact it has on their lives.
MOTIVATION
Substance abuse threatens citizens’ right to life; freedom and security in that alcohol
and drug use are associated with an increase in school violence, risky behaviours
amongst youth and other social or health related problems in South Africa (Burke,
2009).Substance abuse can lead to cognitive and behavioral problems that hinder
academic performance (Cotto, Davis, Dowling, Elcano, Staton and Weiss, 2010).
Research suggests that peer influence, community accessibility to substances, and
the desire for experimentation are among the reasons cited by young people for
using psychoactive substances (Pasche and Myers, 2012).
The motivation behind studying the increased use of illegal and legal substances in
primary school learners in grade 7 in South Africa is rooted in the recognition of the
detrimental effects of substance abuse on the well-being and academic performance
of young individuals (Bah, 2018).The main reason for this research is to motivate the
department of education to fight against this pandemic of substance abuse in
primary schools. This research will provide information and insights about the use of
illegal and legal substances and support efforts to prevent substance abuse in
schools.
RESEARCH QUESTION
What factors contribute to the increased use of illegal and legal substances among
grade 7 learners in primary schools in South Africa?
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES




Explore the underlying reasons and motivations behind the increased use of
substances among grade 7 learners in South Africa.
Examine the role of peer influence and pressure in the initiation and
continuation of substance use among primary school learners.
Investigate the impact of socio-economic factors on substance use behaviors
among grade 7 learners in South Africa.
Identify the gaps in existing drug education programs and evaluate their
effectiveness in preventing substance use among primary school learners.
REFERENCE
Bah, Y.M., 2018. Drug abuse among street children. Journal of Clinical Research in
HIV AIDS and Prevention, 3(3), pp.12-45.
Boys, A., Marsden, J. and Strang, J., 2001. Understanding reasons for drug use
amongst young people: a functional perspective. Health education research, 16(4).
Kerr, D., Ding, K., Burke, A. and Ott-Walter, K., 2015. An alcohol, tobacco, and other
drug use comparison of lesbian, bisexual, and heterosexual undergraduate
women. Substance use & misuse, 50(3), pp.340-349.
Hartnack, A., 2017. Background document and review of key South African and
international literature on school dropout. Cape Town.
Khuzwayo, N., Taylor, M., & Connolly, C. 2018. High risk of suicide among
highschool learners in uMgungundlovu District, KwaZulu Natal Province, South
Africa. South African Medical Journal, 108(6), 517- 523
Madu, S.N. and Matla, M.Q.P., 2003. Illicit drug use, cigarette smoking and alcohol
drinking behaviour among a sample of high school adolescents in the Pietersburg
area of the Northern Province, South Africa. Journal of adolescence, 26(1), pp.121136.
Marshal, M.P., Friedman, M.S., Stall, R., King, K.M., Miles, J., Gold, M.A., Bukstein,
O.G. and Morse, J.Q., 2008. Sexual orientation and adolescent substance use: a
meta‐analysis and methodological review. Addiction, 103(4), pp.546-556.
Pasche, S. and Myers, B., 2012. Substance misuse trends in South Africa. Human
Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental, 27(3), pp.338-341.
Sloboda, Z., 1997. Preventing drug use among children and adolescents: A
research-based guide (No. 97). National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes
of Health.
Wexler, L.M., DiFluvio, G. and Burke, T.K., 2009. Resilience and marginalized youth:
Making a case for personal and collective meaning-making as part of resilience
research in public health. Social science & medicine, 69(4), pp.565-570.