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“When Jacqui’s mum came up to me, I knew there was something wrong from the strain on her face. She wanted my advice on how to deal with Jacqui. She said she was shocked to find out that Jacqui was using speed and ecstasy on some weekends. She was concerned because Jacqui was often moody, irritable and spent hours in the evening in her room listening to music or on the phone. |
“I felt a little out of my comfort zone, as I didn’t know much about speed and ecstasy; they are not really drugs that were around when I was young.
“I chatted to her mum and gave some pretty standard advice about trying to keep communication open and keeping a positive relationship, but I stressed the importance of setting some pretty clear rules and boundaries about what Jacqui could and couldn’t do; a tough but important balance with a teenager.
“As I was a bit out of my depth, I told Jacqui’s mum I would refer Jacqui to the school counsellor. At least the counsellor would know what help was needed and would also be able to help her to deal with things.
“At first, her mum didn’t want me to tell Jacqui that she had spoken to me. We talked about the importance about being honest and dealing with it head on. I also spoke to the Year Coordinator to see what extra supports and strategies we could put in place to help Jacqui. Due to the nature of the parent’s concerns I also spoke with our school principal.”
I WISH I’D KNOWN...
A teacher is in a unique position to help parents who may be concerned that their child may be using illicit drugs. A teacher might not know all of the answers but can act as a resource person; directing the parent to appropriate help. Teachers also have a responsibility to inform the school principal of the parent’s concerns about their child’s drug use.
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