A NATIONAL report on the ways Catholic high schools handle illicit drug use by students warns that a ‘zero tolerance’ approach is ineffective and calls for a more pastoral attitude.
The report, produced by Jesuit Social Services, was released on February 14.
Titled ‘Keeping Them Connected’, the report suggests that while all Catholic schools uniformly seek to be drug free, a ‘zero tolerance’ approach was ineffective in that it makes the school a ‘no go zone’ for students seeking help or guidance in this area.
Jesuit Social Services policy director, Fr Peter Norden, says Catholic education offices in states and territories and the National School Drug Education Strategy support the pastoral care and well-being of students foremost.
However, the study found some independent Catholic schools ‘are persisting with a model of ‘zero tolerance’ and a ‘tough on drugs” approach.
Fr Norden suggests this ‘is more concerned with the maintenance of the high profile of the school’s image and reputation than the fair, reasonable, consistent and just approach to students with substantial pastoral needs’.
Queensland Catholic Education Commission executive director Joe McCorley welcomed the report describing it as a positive reflection of what Catholic schools around Australia are trying to do for their students in this area.
