SHILLONG, July 23: With statistics indicating that the most vulnerable age for drug abuse falls between 15 and 25 years — when most youths are in school or college — teachers in Shillong have been urged to take a frontline role in early detection and prevention.
At the RNDM Teachers’ Gathering-cum-Workshop held at St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School, one session was dedicated to identifying the early symptoms of drug abuse among students and exploring possible interventions.
Organised by the Sisters of Our Lady of the Mission under the theme Empowering Educators for Holistic Student Development, the session highlighted early warning signs such as inattentiveness, sudden aggression, and delinquent behaviour.
Former senior police officer and BJP leader Mariahom Kharkrang underscored the importance of early parental awareness. “It is true that the most vulnerable age is 15 to 25 years, and it is important for parents to be educated about drugs, their early symptoms, and how to respond,” he said.
He pointed out that many parents often realise the problem too late, making the de-addiction process more difficult. “Early response is the best option, and recognising the symptoms in time can save the child,” he added.
Participants described the session as timely and crucial, given the increasing threat of drug abuse in educational institutions.
Teachers found the workshop not only informative but essential—especially in an age where peer pressure, social media, and increasing exposure to external influences are pulling students in multiple directions.
The workshop reinforced the need for stronger communication between parents and schools, along with prompt and empathetic responses when early warning signs emerge.
The broader theme of the day, ‘Empowering Educators for Holistic Student Development’, served as a reminder that teachers play a far deeper role than simply delivering academic instruction.
