The student news site of Mill Valley High School

Mill Valley News

The student news site of Mill Valley High School

Mill Valley News

The student news site of Mill Valley High School

Mill Valley News

WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Sorry, there are no polls available at the moment.
Sophomore Grace Holland and junior Miranda Hakes play the bubble battle game at the “Finding Nemo” station.
Gallery: Students participate in activities to fundraise for American Cancer Society
March 26, 2024
Opinion: Knowledge and advocacy give students the power to make change in the Israel-Hamas war
Opinion: Knowledge and advocacy give students the power to make change in the Israel-Hamas war
Olivia Peters, JagWire reporter/photographer • March 25, 2024
Video: Girls swim and dive spotlight
Video: Girls swim and dive spotlight
Ava Mendez, MVTV reporter • March 25, 2024
MVTV Sports recap: March 20
MVTV Sports recap: March 20
Aiden Lehr, MVTV reporter • March 25, 2024

Administration ignores drug problem due to bullying stress

There are two big issues that affect high schools everywhere: drugs and bullying.

As teenagers become more discreet about bullying, they’re learning how to become discreet with drug use as well.

At our school, we focus on the wrong issue: classic abuse. Since when have you seen a kid put into a locker or a group of kids smoking pot behind the dumpster?

The problem of drug use is definitely here, and more emphasis should be placed on the issue.

Since elementary school we have been taught to “tell a trusted adult” when someone is being bullied. What were we taught to do if we found out our friends are using drugs? Nothing. So, we laugh with them about it. We high-five them about it. We do it with them.

While Kansas requires, according to a state directive, that school districts educate their students on bullying awareness, no directive requires drug education. A state directive is intended to influence what is specifically taught. To me, that is the state saying “if we ignore one of the problems, then maybe it will go away,” which is unrealistic.

We all see how some of our peers are spending their weekends. People aren’t sitting around beating each other up; they’re sitting around smoking weed.

It’d be more effective if drug education was provided in middle school. Red Ribbon Week during elementary school didn’t teach me anything except that if I didn’t have the right raffle number, I didn’t win a prize.

The administration shouldn’t shove drug awareness programs down our throats during high school, either, but maybe a few educational seminars on the impact of drugs will bring light to the topic. You may know that drugs are bad for your body and illegal, but perhaps a person who lost their life or is jailed for drug use could force an impact.

So where do we draw the line between education and oblivion? Perhaps we could start with drug education that will be provided to students in middle school where they can handle discussion of drugs. Parents need to be aware of the possibility that their kid could be using drugs as well.

The school district needs to step up and implement a plan that will educate students about drugs at the right age and stop ignoring the problem.

(Visited 51 times, 1 visits today)
View Comments (2)
More to Discover
About the Contributor
Alana Flinn, JagWire editor-in-chief

Alana Flinn is a third year staffer who is looking forward to a year full of new experiences. As editor-in-chief, Flinn hopes to finally win a Pacemaker for Mill Valley News while maintaining the quality of JagWire. She will also continue to report on her favorite sport, football. Flinn’s favorite quote is: "Every person you meet, every single one, is looking for their story. There are no exceptions. You become part of it by how you treat them." -Anonymous

Comments (2)

Mill Valley News intends for this area to be used to foster healthy, thought-provoking discussion. Comments are expected to adhere to our standards and to be respectful and constructive. As such, we do not permit the use of profanity, foul language, personal attacks, or the use of language that might be interpreted as libelous. Comments are reviewed and must be approved by a moderator to ensure that they meet these standards. Mill Valley News does not allow anonymous comments, and Mill Valley News requires a valid email address. The email address will not be displayed but will be used to confirm your comments.
All Mill Valley News Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • T

    Taylor HunterNov 16, 2011 at 2:41 pm

    This was a great article and very well thought out. My problem with putting bullying ahead of substance is, how many people die a year because of bullying? I guarantee the number is a lot lower than the number of students who die because of substance abuse. I know both are major issues but bullying is just not as important right now

    Reply
  • H

    Hugh EbbNov 15, 2011 at 10:58 pm

    Yes thank you someone gets it. We need to proritize.

    Reply