Pupil instruction: drug education.
The proposed legislation addresses the health risks linked to the use of anabolic steroids and similar substances among secondary school athletes. By mandating educational programs that encompass these topics, the bill aims to increase awareness among students about their effects, which could lead to informed choices regarding their use. This is particularly relevant in the context of competitive sports, where young athletes may be tempted to use such substances to enhance their performance.
Assembly Bill 1715, introduced by Assembly Member Kiley, seeks to amend Section 51262 of the Education Code concerning pupil instruction related to drug education. The bill encourages schools to include lessons about the effects of peptide hormones, growth factors, and associated substances, alongside the existing discussion on anabolic steroids. This instruction is intended for students in grades 7 to 12 and is set to commence in the 2020-2021 school year. The legislative intent behind the bill is to highlight the potential health hazards associated with these substances for student athletes.
While the bill aims to improve educational efforts around drug use in sports, it may face challenges, such as curriculum integration and varying levels of support from school districts. Some educators might argue that the addition of new topics to an already packed curriculum could further strain resources. Additionally, there might be differences in opinion regarding the effectiveness of such education in actually changing student behavior and reducing drug use among athletes.