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 physical, social, and emotional consequences.
• Identify peer pressure and learn how to resist it.
• Describe healthy alternatives to substance use.
• Identify trusted adults you can talk to for help.

Lesson summary

This week's Life Skills topic focuses on substance abuse prevention. This is a crucial topic for Grade 6 learners in South Africa because unfortunately, exposure to substances, even at a young age, is a reality in many communities. Understanding the dangers of substance abuse, recognizing peer pressure tactics, and developing strategies to resist them are essential skills for making informed and healthy choices. We aim to equip learners with the knowledge and confidence to protect themselves and their friends from the harmful effects of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. This knowledge will also help them to become responsible citizens who contribute positively to their communities.

Lesson notes

What is Substance Abuse? Substance abuse is the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs. Psychoactive substances affect the brain and can change your mood, thinking, and behaviour. It's important to understand that using these substances can become a problem when they interfere with your daily life, relationships, schoolwork, or health. Commonly Abused Substances in South Africa: Alcohol: Beer, wine, spirits, and traditional alcoholic beverages. Alcohol abuse can lead to liver damage, accidents, violence, and addiction. It affects coordination and judgment.

Example:* Imagine a learner whose parent drinks too much alcohol every weekend. They might become unpredictable and neglect their responsibilities, causing stress and sadness for the child.

Tobacco: Cigarettes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco (snuff). Tobacco contains nicotine, which is highly addictive. Smoking causes lung cancer, heart disease, and breathing problems.

Example:* Think about seeing older people in your community struggling to breathe because they smoked cigarettes for many years.

Illicit Drugs: Marijuana (dagga), cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, and tik (methamphetamine). These drugs are illegal and have serious health consequences, including addiction, organ damage, mental health problems, and even death.

Example:* Hearing stories in the news about young people whose lives have been ruined by drug addiction.

Negative Consequences of Substance Abuse: Physical Health: Substance abuse can damage your body in many ways. Alcohol can harm your liver and brain. Tobacco causes lung cancer and heart disease. Drugs like tik can damage your brain and heart very quickly.

Example:* Someone who smokes heavily might develop a persistent cough and find it difficult to participate in sports.

Social Relationships: Substance abuse can ruin relationships with family and friends. You might become unreliable, secretive, or aggressive, which can push people away.

Example:* A learner who starts drinking alcohol with older friends might start neglecting their schoolwork and spending less time with their family.

Emotional Well-being: Substance abuse can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems. It can also make you feel isolated and alone.

Example:* Someone using drugs to cope with sadness might find that the drugs actually make them feel worse in the long run.

Peer Pressure: Peer pressure is the influence that people your age can have on you. It can be positive (encouraging you to do well in school) or negative (pressuring you to try substances). It's important to recognize when peer pressure is leading you towards harmful choices.

Common Peer Pressure Techniques: Direct Offer: Someone directly asks you to try a substance.

Example: "Come on, just take one puff. Everyone's doing it." Teasing or Name-Calling: You might be called names if you refuse.

Example: "Don't be such a baby! Are you scared?" Bribery or Promises: You might be offered something in return for trying a substance.

Example: "I'll give you my best sweets if you just try this." Guilt Trip: Someone might make you feel guilty for not joining in.

Example: "You're ruining the fun for everyone." Strategies to Resist Peer Pressure: Say "No" firmly and confidently: Make eye contact and say no without apologizing.

Give a reason: Explain why you don't want to participate.

Example: "No thanks, I don't like the smell of cigarettes," or "No, I have to study for a test." Change the subject: Divert the conversation to something else.

Suggest an alternative activity: Offer a healthier option.

Example: "Let's go play soccer instead." Walk away: If the pressure continues, remove yourself from the situation.

Find friends who share your values: Surround yourself with people who support your decisions to stay healthy.

Healthy Alternatives to Substance Abuse: Sports and Exercise: Playing sports, dancing, or going for a run can release endorphins, which are natural mood boosters.

Creative Activities: Painting, drawing, writing, playing music, or crafting can help you express your emotions and relax.

Spending Time with Family and Friends: Connecting with loved ones can provide support and reduce feelings of loneliness.

Hobbies and Interests: Pursuing hobbies like reading, gardening, or collecting can give you a sense of accomplishment and purpose.

Talking to a Trusted Adult: Sharing your feelings with a parent, teacher, counselor, or religious leader can provide valuable guidance and support. Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Question 1: Thando's friends are smoking cigarettes behind the school building. They offer him one and say, "Come on, everyone's doing it. It'll make you look cool." Identify the peer pressure technique being used and explain how Thando can resist it.

Solution: The peer pressure technique being used is a combination of direct offer and implied popularity ("everyone's doing it") to make Thando feel like he's missing out.