Grade 6 Christian Religious Education Christian Living – Drug And Substance Abuse Notes
Christian Living — Drug and Substance Abuse
Christian Religious Education (CRE) — Age 11 (Kenyan context)
- Understand what drugs and substances are and examples children may see in Kenya.
- Know dangers of using drugs and how they affect the body, mind and family.
- Learn what the Bible teaches about caring for the body and making wise choices.
- Practice ways to say "No" and where to get help (family, teacher, counselor, NACADA).
1. What are drugs and substances?
Drugs and substances are things people may swallow, smoke, sniff or take that change how their body or mind works. Some are medicines when a doctor gives them, but others are harmful if taken the wrong way or by children.
- Tobacco / cigarettes 🚬
- Alcohol (beer, spirits) 🍺 — illegal for under 18
- Miraa (khat) — chewed in some areas
- Inhalants (glue, petrol) — very harmful
- Illegal drugs (e.g., heroin, bhang/weed) — against the law
- Misusing medicines (taking pills not given by a doctor)
Some are medicines and helpful when used correctly. But using alcohol, tobacco or illegal drugs as a child is wrong and can also break Kenyan law or school rules. NACADA (National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse) helps with information and support in Kenya.
2. Why do some young people try them?
- To fit in with friends (peer pressure)
- Curiosity — wanting to try something new
- Stress or family problems — trying to forget troubles
- Wrong information — thinking it looks cool
3. Dangers of using drugs and substances
- Damage to the brain and thinking 🧠
- Harm to lungs, heart and other organs ❤️
- Can make you sick, sleepy or aggressive
- Lose trust of parents and teachers 👨👩👧👦
- Poor school performance and absence
- Problems with the police — illegal drugs are crimes
- May break Kenyan laws or school rules
4. What does the Bible say?
As Christians we learn to care for our bodies and minds because God made us. The Bible teaches us to be sober-minded, to love our family and to avoid things that hurt us or others.
- "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit?" (1 Corinthians 6:19)
- "Be sober, be watchful; your adversary the devil prowls around..." (1 Peter 5:8) — meaning: stay alert and avoid danger.
5. How to say "No" — simple ways
Practice these short answers. Use a calm, firm voice:
- "No, thank you. I don't want to." 🚫
- "I have to go/I'm leaving now." — offer another activity. 🏃
- "My parents/teacher would be upset — I can't."
- "I don't do drugs. It's not for me." — say it confidently.
If a friend keeps pressuring you, walk away and tell a trusted adult (parent, teacher, pastor or school counselor).
6. If you think someone has a problem
- Tell a trusted adult right away (do not try to handle it alone).
- Encourage them to get help from a counselor or a clinic.
- In Kenya, organisations like NACADA and school health services can help families and young people.
- Always keep yourself safe — do not join or hide illegal activity.
7. Classroom activities
- Role play: Practice saying "No" in pairs. One student offers, the other refuses politely.
- Draw a "Healthy Choices" poster showing good ways to deal with stress (talking, sports, prayer).
- Write a short poem or prayer asking God to help you make wise choices.
8. Quick quiz (answer in class)
- Give two examples of harmful substances. (e.g., cigarettes, glue)
- What verse reminds us our body is a temple? (1 Corinthians 6:19)
- Name one person you can talk to if a friend has a problem.
9. Help and resources (Kenya)
If you or a friend needs help, tell a parent, teacher, pastor or go to the school counsellor. Kenya's NACADA gives information and services about substance abuse — ask a grown-up to help contact them.
Teacher's notes
- Keep discussions age-appropriate and non-judgmental.
- Use local examples carefully and sensitively (avoid naming students).
- Encourage pupils to seek help and reassure confidentiality where appropriate.