Abstract
The ever increasing use of ‘substances’ including anabolic steroids, amongst many other products, has ‘entered’ South African Schools and associated extra mural activities (Gradidge 2010). Extra mural activities are historically part of the fabric of South African schools. Learners within South African schools have developed physically over the last twenty years. This is ‘unnatural’ growth. The ‘unnatural’ growth cannot have developed undetected. Legislation needs to be available to the relevant authorities that allow action to be followed ultimately aimed at protecting the integrity of the extra mural activities structure, the educational institution and those students who are able to participate without the use of performance enhancing drugs. The ‘win at all costs’ mentality cannot be allowed in schools – this is not accepted as correct education practice. The financial rewards and future prospects are forcing younger and younger individuals to begin using the various products available. Peer pressure and parental expectation as well as a poor self-image (Kuschke 2013), are certain factors among others, influencing the individuals to indulge in ped. Short and long term, physical and psychological impact on the individual may still be premature - research and recording may well be a decade or generation in arrears. Legislation pertaining to the use of drugs is clearly discussed in the South African Schools Act. Policies and legislation on the control and management of drug abuse in schools includes the Regulations for Safety Measures at Public Schools, Government Gazette No. 22754 of 12 October 2001 (Barry 2006). The particular policies advocate a contribution to effective prevention, management and treatment of drug abuse. Furthermore, this is meant to be complimented by the National Drug Master Plan 1999 - 2004 (Department of Welfare). This has all been formulated to give effect to the South African Constitution in terms of the various proposed rights including the right not to be unfairly discriminated against, the right to privacy as well as bodily and mental well-being. This policy takes cognizance of the principles associated with the United Nations Convention in the rights of the Child and the Guidelines for the consideration of Governing Bodies in Adopting a Code of Conduct for the learners...
D.Phil. (Education)