By Phetoho Maja.

• The Gauteng Department of Social Development is encouraging a culture of responsibility and informed decisions as the end of the year draws to a close and examinations come to an end.
• The department has urged learners not to take part in social gatherings such as ‘pens down’ parties.
• Parents, teachers, and learners needed to understand the dangers such activities pose to the learners’ future, says Social Work Supervisor in the Eastern Corridor, Nokuthula Ndhlovu.

The Gauteng Department of Social Development has kick-started its festive season substance abuse prevention campaign, educating children and youth to make informed decisions as they complete their final school examinations.

According to Social Work Supervisor in the Eastern Corridor, Nokuthula Ndhlovu, the campaign seeks to caution learners against participating in social gatherings such as ‘pens down’ parties.

Speaking during a radio interview on Kasie FM, Ndhlovu emphasised that ‘pens down’ parties have become notorious for harmful practices, including underage drinking and drug abuse.

“We wish the Class of 2025 well as they write their final National Senior Certificate examinations,” she said.

“We also want to raise awareness about the phenomenon that has become popular over the years with our learners, the pens down.”

Parents, teachers, and learners needed to understand the dangers such activities pose to the learners’ future, with underage drinking punishable by law, Ndhlovu added. The National Liquor Act of 2003 stipulates that it is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to purchase or be sold alcohol.

She explained that the department aims to create a drug-free environment where learners and youth can enjoy their freedom and develop intellectually, socially, economically, emotionally, spiritually, and physically.

“We need to raise awareness about this practice because of the dangers associated with it. Young people expose themselves not only to drugs and substances but also to teenage or unwanted pregnancies,” she cautioned.

Ndhlovu called on parents, communities, and law enforcement to unite and take a stand against the destructive pens down culture, noting that peer pressure is among the leading drivers of such behaviour.

“Learners may turn to alcohol in a misguided attempt to cope with problems such as stress, boredom, pressure from schoolwork, not fitting in, problems at home, or mental health issues like anxiety and childhood trauma,” she explained.

“Since alcohol is a depressant, using it to self-medicate can make problems even worse.”

She warned parents that if their child is regularly drinking, it may be a sign that they are struggling with a serious underlying issue.

“You can help by fostering a relationship with your child where they feel they can be open and honest with you, rather than being immediately disciplined,” she concluded.