The Influence Of Television And Drug Consumption On Secondary School Students: A Case Study Of Kiambu, Central Province Kenya

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the influence of television and drug consumption on secondary school students in Kiambu, central province. The main objectives were to examine the influence of television and drug consumption; to determine the challenges of television influence on drug consumption; to investigate the effects of drug consumption on the academic performance of students; and to suggest possible solutions that the television media can help improve the drug consumption.

The research used a descriptive design and involved quantitative and qualitative methods

which were administered using questionnaires. The design is preferred because it will be easy

for the researcher to draw conclusion and the researcher easily based on the views of

respondents to reach at conclusions and make recommendations.

The findings of the research revealed that drug consuming parents did not meet student’s

basic needs for school such as the required number of books, school bag, shoes or sandals,

and writing materials. During interaction with some of the respondent’s afler school, it was

found that some were using black polythene bags as school bags, others were bare footed

(had no shoes or sandals) whilst others wore bathroom slippers to school. It was further

revealed that most students whose parents abused alcohol had emotional, social and

behaviour problems. Students from homes of drug addict parents were either inward looking

or were aggressive and trouble fomenters.

After a look at the findings of the study the following recommendations were made. The

government as a matter of urgency should facilitate the passing of the National Alcohol

Policy Bill into law to help regulate the production and distribution of alcohol within the

country. The Government should make it an urgent policy to train and employ in the schools

more counsellors and social workers. Social and education workers should be trained in the

field of drug consumption and rehabilitation to specifically offer help to families with drug

addict problems. Education and social work practice should include intervention programmes to help students and their parents acquire life, social and communication skills.