Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 6

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Define substance abuse and identify common substances.
• Explain the negative consequences of substance abuse.
• Identify different types of peer pressure.
• Practice strategies for resisting peer pressure.
• Identify trusted adults and resources for help.

Lesson summary

This week, we're diving into a crucial Life Skills topic: Substance Abuse Prevention, with a focus on understanding and resisting peer pressure. In South Africa, substance abuse is a serious problem affecting individuals, families, and communities. It's vital for you, as Grade 6 learners, to understand the risks associated with drugs and alcohol and to develop the skills to resist peer pressure to use them. Understanding this topic empowers you to make healthy choices, protect yourselves, and contribute to a healthier society. Sadly, in many South African communities, children and teenagers are pressured to try substances from a young age.

Lesson notes

What is Substance Abuse? Substance abuse is the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs. This includes taking substances in larger amounts or for longer periods than intended, having persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control substance use, and continuing to use substances despite knowing that it is causing or worsening physical or psychological problems. It's important to note that "substance" can refer to legal substances like alcohol and cigarettes, as well as illegal drugs like marijuana (dagga), cocaine, and heroin.

Common Substances Abused in South Africa: In South Africa, some of the most commonly abused substances include: Alcohol: Beer, wine, spirits (like brandy and whisky). Alcohol is often seen as acceptable in social situations, which can make it difficult for people to recognize when they are abusing it. The legal drinking age in South Africa is

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8. Tobacco: Cigarettes, snuff, and chewing tobacco. Tobacco contains nicotine, which is highly addictive.

Cannabis (Dagga/Marijuana): This is an illegal drug that is often smoked or eaten. It can affect your thinking, memory, and coordination.

Methamphetamine (Tik): This is a highly addictive stimulant drug that is often smoked, injected, or snorted. It can cause serious health problems, including heart damage and psychosis.

Heroin (Nyaope/Whoonga): This is a highly addictive opioid drug that is often injected. It can cause respiratory failure and death.

Over-the-counter and prescription drugs: These can also be abused, especially painkillers and sleeping pills.

Consequences of Substance Abuse: Substance abuse has serious consequences for your: Physical Health: Damage to your brain, heart, liver, and other organs. Increased risk of accidents and injuries. Weakened immune system.

Mental Health: Increased risk of depression, anxiety, and psychosis. Difficulty concentrating and remembering things. Changes in personality.

Social Well-being: Damaged relationships with family and friends. Problems at school or work. Increased risk of crime and violence. Financial problems.

Peer Pressure: Peer pressure is the influence that people your own age or social group have on you. It can be positive (e.g., encouraging you to study hard or participate in sports) or negative (e.g., pressuring you to use drugs or alcohol).

Types of Peer Pressure: Direct Pressure: Someone directly asks or encourages you to do something you don't want to do. For example, "Come on, just try one cigarette. Everyone's doing it." Indirect Pressure: You feel pressured to do something because you see others doing it, even if they don't directly ask you. For example, seeing older kids smoking behind the school.

Subtle Pressure: When friends constantly talk about drug use, brag about drinking, or make fun of people who don't participate, you can feel subtly pressured to join in.

Resisting Peer Pressure: It is possible to resist peer pressure and make healthy choices.

Here are some strategies: Say "No" Firmly: Be clear and direct in your refusal. "No, I don't want to." Provide a Reason: Explain why you don't want to. "No, I don't want to. It's bad for my health." Suggest an Alternative: Offer a different activity. "No, I don't want to. Let's go play soccer instead." Surround Yourself with Positive Friends: Choose friends who support your healthy choices.

Walk Away: If you feel uncomfortable or pressured, remove yourself from the situation.

Strength in numbers: There is power in asking a group of friends who share the same views as you to go along with you to a party or event.

Talk to a Trusted Adult: If you are struggling with peer pressure, talk to a parent, teacher, or counselor.

Worked example

Scenario: You are at a friend's house, and they offer you a cigarette. They say, "Just try it, it's not a big deal. Everyone at school does it."

Here's how you can resist the pressure:

Say "No" Firmly: "No, thanks."

Provide a Reason: "I don't smoke. It's bad for my lungs, and I want to stay healthy."

Suggest an Alternative: "Let's play a video game instead."

Walk Away: If your friend continues to pressure you, say, "I'm going to go inside now," and remove yourself from the situation.

Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Question 1: Define substance abuse in your own words.

Solution: Substance abuse is when someone uses drugs or alcohol in a way that is harmful to their health, well-being, or relationships. It can lead to addiction and many other problems.