Cyprus schools are facing a serious challenge with rising cases of child drug use and addiction, according to a report by Phileleftheros.
Ninety-one children are currently enrolled in rehabilitation programmes- some of whom began using substances as early as 12 years old. The growing concern around child drug use has prompted closer cooperation between schools and the Cyprus Drug Law Enforcement Unit (YKAN).
YKAN works directly with school units to address the issue and promote prevention initiatives, under a special protocol coordinated with other authorities.
Education Minister Athena Michaelidou discussed the issue on the morning programme Protoselido, admitting that for too long, the problem had been ignored.
“For years we allowed this issue to pass,” she said. “Now we have set up a mechanism, and that’s why complaints are coming forward. The data show that children can now speak, because before, they were afraid. The same applies to teachers, who were also reluctant to speak.”
Michaelidou added that there is now a protected procedure allowing children to report directly to the police.
“These processes happen inside the schools. Children are encouraged to talk, there is supervision, and whenever we see something suspicious, we report it,” she explained.
Also read: Out-of-school youth entered Aglantzia Gymnasium to sell cigarettes to pupils
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