The management of substance abuse in rural secondary schools

Abstract

Substance abuse in rural schools is increasingly becoming a problem in rural schools. This study therefore explored the management of substance abuse at three rural schools in Limpopo province. A qualitative methodology and multiple case study were used to collect data. The following concepts formed the conceptual framework of the study: accountability; reasonable, fair and lawful actions; and data-driven decision-making. The study found that although the participating schools are trying to do their best to manage substance abuse by involving parents and external role-players and creating awareness of the dangers of substance abuse, their efforts are largely ineffective. The participating schools rely heavily on external role-players to support them in the management of substance abuse. The reasons for this seem to be two-fold. Firstly, the principals and school governing bodies of the participating schools are not applying all the legal and regulatory powers granted to them in terms of Sections 8 and 8A of South African Schools Act and seem to be unaware of it. Secondly, the causes of substance abuse at the participating schools are generally located in the broader community which makes it difficult for the participating schools to manage substance abuse effectively.