The Ministry of Education and Science (MES) has launched a program to prepare and train teachers to talk to students on issues related to countering drugs. Over 65,000 pedagogical specialists will be trained. Currently, 80 psychologists are being trained, who will then conduct the training with pedagogical specialists. We have also planned to hold thematic parent meetings in all schools, said Minister of Education and Science Krasimir Valchev in response to a parliamentary question from MP Yavor Haitov regarding prevention against the increasing cases of drug use among adolescents.
In order for teachers to start talking effectively with students and parents, we need to prepare them. This is the activity we are currently focusing on on this topic, the minister said.
The Ministry of Education and Science cannot significantly counteract the spread of drugs, but teachers can talk to students, educational institutions can educate them, we can also create attitudes, internal barriers in children so that they do not use drugs. The education system can do this to the greatest extent, but talking about drugs with students is not easy to be effective, explained Minister Valchev.
He recalled that over the years the Ministry of Education and Science has had many other activities on this topic. "We also have a mechanism for action, an algorithm, in case of establishing the spread of drugs and narcotic substances in schools. It contains a set of steps and procedures that are followed when it is established that there is such a case and all other institutions, especially the Ministry of Internal Affairs, are involved in it. We distribute materials among educational institutions for the prevention of drugs among adolescents. As part of the information campaign of the Ministry of Education and Science "Just Say "No", with the participation of some of the most popular artists, artists and musicians, talks with students are organized. More than 5,000 students are covered in such meetings, I have been to such meetings and I think they are useful", said Minister Krasimir Valchev.
It is very important to have materials that can impact students, which is why the Ministry of Education and Science supports the production of such films. Three films with student stories have been prepared, we are also supporting the preparation of the film "Drugs", in which many experts participate. We also supported the implementation of the campaign "Don't Breathe Death - Breathe Life" of BNT in educational institutions, the minister noted.
According to him, it is very important in the future change in curricula to strengthen the emphasis on health education and the educational function in order to prevent drug use among adolescents.