DRUG EDUCATION FOR PRIMARY 5: What Every Child Should Know

DRUG EDUCATION FOR PRIMARY 5

What Every Child Should Know

Health Education • Suitable for Ages 9–11 • 10-Minute Read

A complete, age-appropriate guide to help Primary 5 students understand what drugs are, why they are dangerous, and how to stay safe and make smart choices.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What Are Drugs?
Types of Drugs Children Should Know About
Why Are Drugs Dangerous?
How Drugs Affect the Body and Brain
What Is Drug Addiction?
Peer Pressure and How to Say No
Who Can You Talk To?
How to Stay Safe
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Table of Contents

1. What Are Drugs?

Drugs are substances that change the way your body and brain work. Some drugs are medicines — they are made by scientists and doctors to help sick people feel better. But there are also harmful drugs that are dangerous and illegal.

The important thing to know is: not all drugs are the same. Even helpful medicines can be dangerous if they are used wrongly or taken by the wrong person.

Read now: The Importance of Girl Child Education in Nigeria Debate: Why It Matters More Than Ever

Key Definition

A drug is any chemical substance that changes how your mind or body works. This includes medicines, alcohol, cigarettes, and illegal substances.

Safe medicines vs. harmful drugs

When a doctor gives you medicine, it is meant to help you. But drugs that people take to “feel good” or because they are pressured by others can seriously damage the body and brain — especially in children and young people whose bodies are still growing.

2. Types of Drugs Children Should Know About

It is important to know the different types of harmful substances so you can recognise and avoid them:

Substance	What You Need to Know
Alcohol	Found in beer, wine and spirits. Legal for adults but very harmful for children whose brains are still developing.
Tobacco / Cigarettes	Contains nicotine and over 4,000 harmful chemicals. Causes cancer, heart disease, and lung damage.
Illegal Drugs	Examples include marijuana, cocaine, and heroin. These are illegal and extremely dangerous, even in small amounts.
Inhalants	Household chemicals that some people sniff or breathe in. They are very harmful to the brain and can cause sudden death.

WARNING

Even if someone offers you something that looks harmless — like a sweet or a drink — always check with a trusted adult before taking anything from strangers.

3. Why Are Drugs Dangerous?

Drugs can cause serious harm to your health, your relationships, your future, and even your life. Here is why they are so dangerous:

They damage important organs like the brain, heart, lungs and liver
They can make you addicted — meaning you feel you cannot stop using them
They affect your ability to think clearly and make good decisions
They can lead to accidents, violence, and dangerous situations
They can destroy friendships, family relationships, and school performance
Some drugs can cause death — even the very first time they are used

DID YOU KNOW?

Children and teenagers are more at risk from drugs than adults because their brains are still developing. Drugs can permanently damage a young person’s brain in ways that affect learning, memory, and emotions for life.

4. How Drugs Affect the Body and Brain

Your brain is like the control centre of your body. It controls how you think, feel, move, and behave. Drugs interfere with the brain’s normal working and can cause serious problems.

Short-term effects (what happens right away)

Nausea and vomiting
Dizziness and confusion
Fast or irregular heartbeat
Seeing or hearing things that aren’t there (hallucinations)
Anger or aggression

Long-term effects (what happens over time)

Brain damage and memory loss
Lung disease from smoking
Heart disease
Depression and mental illness
Ruined opportunities in school and life

BRAIN FACT

The brain does not finish developing until about age 25. Using drugs as a child or teenager can cause lasting damage to the parts of the brain used for learning, memory, decision-making, and controlling emotions.

See now: How to Use the Cornell Method to Take Better Lecture Notes (A Guide for Nigerian Students)

5. What Is Drug Addiction?

Addiction means that a person feels a very strong need to keep using a drug, even when they know it is hurting them. Once someone is addicted, it is very hard — and sometimes very painful — to stop.

This is why it is so important never to start. You cannot become addicted to something you have never tried.

IMPORTANT

Addiction is not a sign of weakness. It is a medical condition caused by changes in the brain. However, the best way to avoid addiction is to never use harmful drugs in the first place.

Signs that someone may have a drug problem

They change behaviour suddenly — becoming angry, sad, or secretive
They stop caring about school, friends, or hobbies
They look unhealthy — red eyes, weight loss, bad skin
They ask for or steal money
They have strange smells on their breath or clothes

If you notice these signs in a friend or family member, talk to a trusted adult immediately. Getting help early makes a big difference.

6. Peer Pressure and How to Say No

Peer pressure means when people your age try to convince you to do something — even something harmful — so you feel like you “fit in.” It can feel very uncomfortable to say no, especially to friends.

But here is the truth: real friends do not pressure you to harm yourself.

Phrases you can use to say no

“No thanks, I don’t want to.”

“That’s not for me.”

“My parents would be so upset — no way!”

“I have to go, see you later.”

“I care too much about my health.”

“I have practice and I need to stay sharp.”

Tips for handling peer pressure

Say no confidently — you don’t owe anyone an explanation
Walk away from the situation if it feels uncomfortable
Stay close to friends who share your values
Remember your goals — drugs can ruin your future dreams
Tell a trusted adult if you are being pressured

7. Who Can You Talk To?

If you are ever offered drugs, see someone using drugs, or feel unsafe, you should always tell a trusted adult immediately. You are not in trouble — you are being brave by speaking up.

Your Parents	Always your first and safest option. They want to keep you safe.
Your Teacher	Teachers are trained to help with these situations at school.
A School Counsellor	They provide confidential support for students.
Any Trusted Adult	An uncle, aunt, older sibling, or neighbour you feel safe with.

YOU WILL NOT GET IN TROUBLE

Telling an adult about drugs is the right and brave thing to do. It could save your life or someone else’s. You are not a snitch — you are a hero.

8. How to Stay Safe

You have the power to protect yourself! Here are the most important safety rules every Primary 5 student should follow:

Read now: How to Use the Cornell Method to Take Better Lecture Notes (And Stop Cramming)

Never accept food, drinks, or medicines from strangers
Only take medicine given by your parents or a doctor
Avoid areas where you know drugs are being used
Choose friends who have positive values and goals
Stay busy with sports, music, reading, or hobbies you love
Learn the facts about drugs — the more you know, the safer you are
Always trust your gut — if something feels wrong, leave immediately
Report suspicious activities to a trusted adult

HEALTHY ALTERNATIVES

Sports, arts, music, dance, and reading are all amazing ways to feel happy, confident, and energised — with no harmful side effects! Invest in your talents, not in drugs.

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Are medicines the same as drugs?

Medicines are a type of drug, but they are safe and helpful when used correctly. The dangerous drugs we discuss in drug education are those used to get “high” or are taken without a doctor’s instruction.

Q: What should I do if someone offers me drugs?

Say no confidently and walk away. Then tell a trusted adult — a parent, teacher, or counsellor — as soon as possible. You will not be in trouble.

Q: Can one try of a drug really hurt me?

Yes. Some drugs are so powerful that a single use can cause addiction, serious illness, or even death. There is no “safe” way to try harmful drugs.

Q: Why do some people use drugs if they are so dangerous?

Some people start because of curiosity, peer pressure, or to escape problems. But the short-term feeling is never worth the long-term damage. Healthy coping skills are always a better option.

Q: Can children get addicted to drugs?

Yes — and actually, children and teenagers get addicted more quickly than adults because their brains are still developing. That is why it is so important to stay away from drugs completely.

Remember: Your health is your most valuable asset.

Stay informed. Stay safe. Make smart choices.