Teachers have been advised to counsel students about the dangers of substance use (Representational)
Highlights
- 7 drug dealers arrested this week in Hyderabad
- Mobile phones show students were regular clients
- 20 top schools, colleges sent written advice by government
At least 20 top schools and 16 colleges in Hyderabad have been asked by the government to take urgent steps to check the use of drugs including LSD among students, some of whom are
as young as 13.
A letter sent on Monday to prestigious international and privately-run schools seen by NDTV says that teachers should counsel students about the dangers of substance use, monitor the areas around the school, watch out for students carrying significant amounts of cash or cards and be alert to "erratic/deviant behaviour."
The advisory states that students as "young as Class 8 or 9" are buying party drug MDMA and LSD.
Yesterday, NDTV reported that the arrests of seven drug dealers in the IT hub has revealed that students at the city's most prestigious educational institutions are among 1,000 alleged clients who were using WhatsApp and other messenger services to buy what officials referred to as "high-end" drugs.
The advisory states that students as "young as Class 8 or 9" are buying party drug MDMA and LSD.
A WhatsApp message from a young girl shown to NDTV by an official said "
I liked the drug. It gave me a nearly 12-hour high. I want more, can u arrange?". She was referring to LSD.
Officials also said that one school girl offered a dealer photographs of herself in exchange for drugs.
None of the students' names have been disclosed, not even to the schools, so that they are not punished or singled out.
Officials say they are committed to protecting their identity and no legal cases will be brought against them. Their parents have been alerted confidentially to the problem.