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Two female students have allegedly been caught dealing marijuana on school grounds at Melbourne Girls’ College.

The girls are believed to be aged around 12 or 13 and police are now investigating after being called by the prestigious Victorian school, reports 7 news.

The students have not been suspended or expelled.

Principal Karen Money said drug incidents at the Richmond school were “extremely rare,” the Herald Sun reported.

“We are working with police over an isolated ­incident with a small number of students involving small quantities of marijuana,” she said.

“My staff work hard to educate our students on the dangers of drugs.”

Victoria police confirmed the investigation is “continuing”.

How parents can protect against drug use and related harms

As a parent or guardian, you have a big impact on a teenager’s life and the decisions they make. Research has shown there are many ways in which parents can minimise the chances that an adolescent will use illegal drugs, or experience harms from their use.

Be a good role model
Your behaviour and attitude towards alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs have a big influence on your child’s behaviour, so it is important to set a good example. Avoid contradictions between what you tell them and what you do, and try to demonstrate ways to have fun and deal with problems that don’t involve drugs or alcohol.

Be involved in their lives
Be sure to regularly spend time with your child where you can give them your undivided attention; you could set up a routine of having meals together or helping them with their homework. Get involved and show an interest in their hobbies and activities. Have internet access in a central area in the house. If they go out, ask them about where they are going and who they are going with and make this discussion a regular part of your conversation. Knowing who your child is with and where they are, can help reduce risk.

Peer influence can affect your child’s behaviour, so it is natural to want to help your child choose the right friends and to get to know them. Invite them to your house, or talk to them if you pick your child up from school or after school activities. Get to know their parents as well, as they can provide a support network to look out for the safety of your children. If you have good reason to believe your child’s friends are involved in drugs, be prepared to support your child to find a new set of friends by engaging them in some new activities.

Establish & maintain good communication
Let your child know that you are always ready and willing to talk and listen. Ask open-ended questions and encourage them to share their thoughts, feelings, and opinions to show you value what they think. This will encourage them to be honest and not just say what they think you want to hear. When talking to them try not to lecture them, it is important to listen to their thoughts and concerns and offer help and support. Try and make yourself somehow available most of the time. For example, make sure your child can contact you easily if they are at a party.

If you need support or info you can call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.

The Hotline will automatically connect you to the Alcohol and Drug Information Service operating in your state/territory.

Free and confidential advice is available and professionals can assist with connecting you to the most appropriate services for your needs.

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  • I would be concerned about who exactly was hanging around the edges of the school because that’s quite likely where children of that age would have gotten it from in the first place.

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  • oh dear, that’s young ! concerning !!
    very important to be involved in our children’s life and have an open communication indeed.

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  • Seriously – 12 or 13 – so sad! Clearly a wider investigation is needed?

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  • They are lucky they got caught young. Might save their future!

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  • Give them a tough punishment now, so they get in less trouble after.

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  • At least we can see that this type of thing happens at all schools, even the exclusive ones. Strong punishment needed.

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  • Expel them and charge them, come down hard so they learn early unlike the stupidity of the legal system that doesn’t actually change the bad behaviour!

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  • I find quite remarking that the girls haven’t been at least suspended!!

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  • Private schools always have drug issues. I thought it was well known?

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  • A bit shocking. Don’t think the article needs to state it’s an exclusive girls school. Fact is, drugs are everywhere in our society. White collar and blue collar and everywhere in between

    Reply

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