Schools need a better balance

By Jacob Yanez

Drug and alcohol use among students is a serious problem that many people don’t take seriously enough. Some people think it’s just a normal part of being a teenager, but it can actually cause a lot of harm. It can affect students’ grades, their health, and even their future.

Schools should do more to prevent this problem and support students who are struggling.

One of the biggest problems is how common alcohol use is among teens. According to the American Addiction Centers, more than two-thirds of high school seniors have tried alcohol. That means most students have already been exposed to drinking before they even graduate. Even worse, binge drinking is super common, which means drinking a lot in a short timeframe. This can lead to bad decisions, health problems, and dangerous situations.

Vaping is another big issue in schools today. A lot of students think vaping is not that bad, but it is still addictive and can harm your body. According to SingleCare, over 2.5 million middle and high school students in the United States use vaping products. That is a huge number, and it shows how quickly vaping has spread. Even if it doesn’t seem as serious as drugs or alcohol, it can still lead to addiction and other problems later on.

Drug and alcohol use can also hurt students in school. Students who use these substances are more likely to get bad grades or even drop out. The Partnership to End Addiction reports that students who use drugs are more likely to leave school than those who don’t. Dropping out of school can make life much harder. It can be harder to get a good job, and it can lead to more problems in the future.

Another big danger is how substance use can affect other people. For example, drunk driving is a serious issue. Young drivers who drink and drive can cause accidents that hurt or kill people. According to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, a large number of deadly crashes involve young drivers who have been drinking. This shows that drug and alcohol use doesn’t just hurt the person using it; it can also hurt others.

Some people think the best solution is stricter rules and punishments. While rules are important, they are not enough by themselves. If students are only punished, they might try to hide their behavior rather than seek help. That can make the problem even worse.

Instead, schools should focus more on helping students. One way to do this is by having more mental health counselors. Many students turn to drugs or alcohol because they are stressed, anxious, or dealing with problems in their lives. If they have someone to talk to, they might not feel the need to use substances.

Schools should also do a better job of teaching students about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. Instead of just saying “don’t do it,” they should explain what can really happen. When students understand the real risks, they might make better choices.

In my opinion, schools need a balance. There should be rules to stop drug and alcohol use, but there should also be support for students who need help. For example, regular check-ins with counselors could help find problems early. Even though this might cost money, it could save lives and help students succeed in the future.

In conclusion, drug and alcohol use in schools is a serious problem that affects many students. It can hurt their grades, their health, and their future. Schools need to do more to prevent this and support students. If nothing changes, the problem will only get worse. Helping students now can make a big difference later.