JUSTICE Minister Sofocles Sofocleous yesterday expressed shock at reports that a 10-year-old had been hallucinating after taking drugs at a youth centre in Limassol.
Police, however, claim they are unaware of the event, and are presently not investigating the case.
The alleged incident took place on Wednesday evening, when a group of children using drugs at a refugee estate youth centre, reportedly forced the 10-year-old into taking drugs. According to a CyBC news report, the boy started hallucinating from the drugs, banging his head on walls.
“If we were not faced with the reality of this incident, we would not have believed it,” said Justice Minister Sofocles Sofocleous upon hearing of the story. “This is unacceptable behaviour, especially at such a tender age. This is a social, but also a family issue. Parents are responsible for standing by and protecting their children.”
Talking to the Cyprus Mail, however, Limassol Police claimed they were neither aware of the events, nor had they received any complaint or report on the case. Therefore, this case is not being investigated by police.
Discussing the issue of underage drug use, the Education Minister Akis Kleanthous said the problem would be alleviated as a result of the changes in the proposed Educational Reform strategic plan. “The shift in the educational system provided by the proposed Educational Reform Plan, which will focus on investing in pupils’ talents and abilities, will reduce the number of pupils turning to drugs,” Kleanthous told a news conference held in Paphos yesterday to present the upcoming reforms.
“Family values are also significant, and our proposed reform plan will promote the role of the parent at school,” Kleanthous added.
The reform plan is presently at the consultation stage, which is scheduled for completion by the end of the month. “We will try to have the second version of the strategic plan by December 20. This version will include technology issues, as well as comprehensive suggestions for teacher assessment and training, the launch of procedures for the creation of headmaster academy, changes in teaching methods, and the creation of a board of advisors to oversee the programmes,” he said.
