Section A

Activity 1
1. Definition of Substance Abuse (2 marks)
Substance abuse refers to the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive
substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs, which leads to significant impairment
or distress.
2. Factors Contributing to Substance Abuse Among Young People (2
marks)
- *Peer Pressure:* Young people may feel pressured by friends or social groups to
try or regularly use substances to fit in.
- *Stress or Coping Mechanism:* Young people might turn to substance abuse to
escape from stress, anxiety, or personal problems.

3. Negative Impact of High Prevalent Rates of Substance

Abuse on Social Life in Communities (4 marks)
High rates of substance abuse can lead to increased crime and violence in
communities as individuals under the influence may engage in criminal activities to
sustain their addiction. This can create an unsafe environment, leading to fear and
mistrust among community members, which weakens social bonds and community
cohesion. Additionally, substance abuse can reduce social participation, as
individuals struggling with addiction might isolate themselves or be excluded due to
their behavior, further eroding the social fabric of the community.

4. Negative Impact of Substance Abuse on Young People's

Physical Wellbeing (4 marks)
Substance abuse can lead to severe physical health issues such as liver damage,
respiratory problems, heart disease, and weakened immune systems. Over time, the
body may become dependent on the substance, leading to withdrawal symptoms
and long-term health complications. Furthermore, substance abuse can impair
cognitive and motor functions, increasing the risk of accidents, injuries, and even
death.

5. Negative Impact of Drug Abuse on Future Career Pursuits

(4 marks)
- *Impaired Cognitive Functioning:* Drug abuse can damage brain cells, leading to
difficulties in concentration, memory, and decision-making, which are crucial for
academic success and career progression.
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 *Legal and Social Consequences:* Young people who engage in drug abuse may
face legal issues, such as arrests or criminal records, which can hinder their ability
to secure employment. Additionally, drug abuse can damage their reputation and
relationships, leading to a lack of support and opportunities in their career paths.
Activity 2
. Definition of Youth Risky Behaviour (2 marks)
Youth risky behaviour refers to actions or activities undertaken by young people that
can potentially harm their health, safety, or well-being, such as substance abuse,
unsafe sexual practices, or dangerous driving.
2. Critical Factors Contributing to Youth Risky Behaviour (5 marks)
- *Peer Pressure:* Young people may engage in risky behaviors to fit in or gain
acceptance from their peers.
- *Lack of Parental Guidance:* Inadequate supervision or communication from
parents can lead young people to make poor decisions.
- *Media Influence:* Exposure to media that glorifies risky behaviors can encourage
young people to imitate what they see.
- *Curiosity and Experimentation:* The natural curiosity of youth can lead them to try
new and potentially dangerous activities.
- *Low Self-Esteem:* Young people with low self-esteem may engage in risky
behaviors as a way to cope or feel better about themselves.

3. Impact of Healthy Lifestyle Choices on Risky Behaviour (2 marks)

Considering healthy lifestyle choices, such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition,
and avoiding substances, can persuade young people to avoid risky behaviors by
helping them recognize the long-term benefits of staying healthy and the potential
negative consequences of risky actions. When young people see the positive effects
of healthy choices, they are more likely to prioritize their well-being over engaging in
dangerous activities.
4. Ineffectiveness of Existing Awareness Programmes (4 marks)
Existing awareness programs may seem ineffective because they often focus solely
on providing information rather than addressing the underlying psychological, social,
and environmental factors that drive risky behavior. Many programs fail to engage
young people on an emotional level or offer practical strategies for resisting peer
pressure and making better decisions. Additionally, these programs might not be

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relatable or culturally relevant, causing young people to dismiss the messages as
irrelevant to their lives.
Activity 3

Perspective on engaging in risky behaviour

600.0%

500.0%

400.0%

300.0%

200.0%

100.0%

0.0%
Question 1 Question 2 Question 3 Question 4 Question 5

Yes No

Activity 4
1. Evidence-Based Strategies to Mitigate Risky Behaviour Among
Young People (2 marks)
*Strategy: Implement Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Programs*
*Explanation:* Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) programs focus on developing
self-awareness, self-control, and interpersonal skills that are vital for making positive
decisions. These programs can help young people better understand the
consequences of risky behaviors on their future career prospects.
*Example:* Incorporating SEL into school curricula, where students learn about
managing emotions, setting goals, and making responsible decisions, can empower
them to resist peer pressure and avoid risky behaviors.
*Result:* By equipping young people with these skills, the likelihood of engaging in
risky behaviors decreases, improving their chances of achieving long-term career
success.

2. Advocacy Campaign to Create a Supportive Environment for

Career Prioritization (6 marks)
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*Statement:* An advocacy campaign aimed at creating a supportive environment for
young people to focus on their long-term career goals can significantly influence
their decision-making.
*Explanation:* The campaign should promote positive role models, offer mentorship
opportunities, and highlight the direct link between healthy choices and career
success. It should also engage parents, educators, and community leaders to
provide consistent support and encouragement for young people's aspirations.
*Example:* A campaign could feature success stories of individuals who overcame
challenges and risky behaviors to achieve career success, combined with
workshops that offer practical advice on goal-setting and career planning.
*Result:* Such a campaign would not only raise awareness but also create a culture
that values long-term thinking, helping young people to stay focused on their career
goals and avoid behaviors that could jeopardize their future.

3. Assisting Young People in Making Informed Career Decisions

Through Participation in the Project (8 marks)
*Statement:* Active participation in a project designed to mitigate risky behavior can
significantly aid young people in making informed career decisions.
*Explanation:* By engaging in activities that promote self-reflection, goal-setting, and
exposure to various career paths, young people can gain a clearer understanding of
their interests and strengths. This informed perspective allows them to make career
choices that align with their values and long-term goals.
*Example:* The project could include career workshops where professionals from
different fields share their experiences, along with interactive sessions where
participants explore various career options through job shadowing or internships.
*Result:* Participation in such a project would not only increase young people's
awareness of potential career paths but also equip them with the tools and
knowledge needed to pursue these careers confidently, leading to better career
outcomes and a reduced likelihood of engaging in behaviors that could derail their
future success.
Activity 5
Statement:* Participation in the project has significantly broadened my
understanding of the complexities surrounding youth risky behavior.

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*Explanation:* Through involvement in the project, I have gained a deeper insight
into the various factors that influence young people's decisions, including the roles
of social pressure, environmental influences, and mental health challenges. I now
see how these factors are interconnected and how they can lead to a cycle of risky
behavior if not addressed holistically.
*Example:* For instance, while working on the project, I encountered case studies
showing how lack of parental guidance and exposure to negative peer influences
can lead to substance abuse. This made me realize that simply educating youth
about the dangers of risky behavior is not enough—there needs to be a strong
support system in place that addresses these underlying issues.
*Result:* As a result, my perspective has shifted from viewing youth risky behavior
as a simple choice to understanding it as a complex issue that requires
comprehensive strategies, including education, mentorship, and community support,
to effectively mitigate. This has also reinforced the importance of creating
environments that foster positive decision-making and long-term goal setting among
young people.
Activity 7
1. *Books:*
- Social and Emotional Learning: Essential Lessons for Student Success by
Maurice J. Elias et al. - This book provides an in-depth understanding of SEL
programs and their impact on youth decision-making.
- Youth and Risk: A Sociological Study of Young People’s Risky Behavior by
Jonathan Blumberg - This book explores the sociological factors influencing youth
risky behaviors.
2. *Journal Articles:*
- Jones, J., & Mitchell, S. (2020). "The Impact of Social and Emotional Learning on
Youth Risky Behavior." Journal of Youth Studies, 23(4), 567-584. - This article
examines the effectiveness of SEL programs in reducing risky behaviors among
youth.
- Smith, A., & Johnson, L. (2019). "Parental Influence and Peer Pressure: Key
Factors in Adolescent Substance Abuse." Journal of Adolescent Health, 45(2), 219-
225. - This article discusses the role of parental guidance and peer pressure in
youth risky behavior.
3. *Government and NGO Reports:*
- World Health Organization (2019). Guidelines on Mental Health and Substance
Abuse Among Adolescents. - This report provides a global overview of youth mental
health and substance abuse issues, along with recommendations for intervention.
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 - United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) (2018). Youth and Drugs: A
Global Overview of Key Issues and Trends. - This report offers data and analysis on
drug use among young people and the effectiveness of various intervention
programs.
4. *Websites:*
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "Youth Risk Behavior
Surveillance System (YRBSS)." Available at:
[[Link]
healthyyouth/data/yrbs/[Link]) - This website provides data and analysis on
youth risk behaviors in the United States.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
"Evidence-Based Practices Resource Center." Available at:
[[Link]
resource-center) - This resource center provides evidence-based practices for
preventing substance abuse among youth.

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