DRUG ADDICTION AMONG STUDENTS (Particulars)

Mr Yeo Choo Kok asked the Minister for Education (a) how serious is drug addiction among students (secondary and tertiary) and how many students were found to be involved between 1st January, 1971, and the latest convenient date; and (b) how have they been dealt with by the authorities concerned.

Mr Lim Kim San: Mr Speaker, Sir, there is no known case of drug addiction among secondary school students. However, the number of secondary school students found to have experimented in the taking of drugs is on the increase. Between 1st January and 8th October of this year, 39 such cases involving 10 girls and 29 boys have come to light. The tertiary institutions have not reported any case of drug addiction or drug taking.

Mr Speaker, Sir, whenever a student is suspected of having taken drugs, his or her parents are immediately consulted so that a closer care can be taken of the potential addict and the necessary advice and medical help given. Some cases are referred to the Child Guidance `Clinic of the Ministry of Health where trained persons can counsel the students and give therapeutic help if necessary. But the main object must be to track down the pusher of drugs.