Students appeal for tougher drugs policy

By Shaun Inguanzo
NAZARETH College is the latest Greater Dandenong school to implement a values-based approach to drugs, alcohol and teenage image problems.
The Noble Park North school took part in the Values for Life program run by Concern Australia in September.
The program has also gained the support of the Family First Party’s South Eastern Metropolitan Region candidate Ann-Marie Hermans who was impressed with the results of a student survey which called for further values-based education.
At the last ordinary meeting of Greater Dandenong council, Dandenong North Ward councillor John Kelly tabled letters from the students to city mayor Peter Brown containing suggestions on eliminating the drug problems in the city.
The program covered a variety of issues confronting teenagers and prompted students to question why anyone would take drugs, abuse alcohol or feel inadequate because of the way body image is promoted in the media.
Local pastor and Cornerstone worker Don Cameron said the program forced students to assess their own values and make decisions based on those values.
He held a survey during the Values for Life program with Nazareth’s year 10 and 11 students. From 124 of the college’s year 11 students, a majority of 69 students asked for more ‘values based’ drug education seminars.
Year 10 students responded similarly, with 55 of 139 asking for drug education programs and 40 students wanting an increased police presence, including sniffer dogs, in the community.
Mr Cameron said the program was partly funded by the City of Greater Dandenong’s Young People’s Involvement Project.
Ms Hermans said the results showed students wanted a hardline approach to drugs.