Mangaluru : A workshop on preventing drug abuse among children was jointly organised by the School of Social Work and Dakshina Kannada District police for teachers from secondary schools here on Friday, September 18.

Experts at a workshop suggested that teachers pay more attention to children and take proactive steps to prevent them from falling victim to it.

“I know you are burdened with lot of work. But it is necessary for you to listen and not just hear your children,” said Rameela Shekar, a counsellor and the Dean of Post Graduate section of the School of Social Work. “With 28 years of experience in the teaching field, I know we cannot prevent drug abuse 100 per cent. But even touching 5 per cent of children (prone to drug abuse) will still be effective.”

Ms. Shekar said instances of drug abuse were more among secondary school and college- going students because of availability of drugs and substances namely whitener and cough syrup. Their risk-taking attitude makes them indulge in substance abuse. Among the indications for substance abuse include poor performance in studies and narrowing of his or her friend’s circle. “If there is any suspicion (about drug abuse) find his or her friend’s circle. This makes prevention easy,” she said.

Inaugurating the seminar, Inspector General of Police (Western Range) Amrit Paul said drug abuse in the State was not as rampant as seen in Punjab.

Advocate Vivekananda Paniyala said it was unfortunate that teachers, who play an important role in preventing drug abuse, do not find a mention in the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. Sheryl Suares, Assistant Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine, K.S.Hegde Medical College, said it was important to prevent children from inhaling volatile substances like whitener and petrol, which, if unattended, would lead children to higher drugs.

Deputy Director of Public Instruction Walter D’Mello said taluk-wise awareness programme for teachers about drug abuse and intervention will be held. Assistant Commissioner of Police Madan Gaonker said teachers to visit Forensic Science Laboratory physically feel appearance of brown sugar, heroin and ganja.