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Drug Abuse and the Escalation of School Violence in Algeria: A Sociological and Analytical Study of Structural Causes, Cultural Transformations, and Institutional Vulnerabilities

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Drug abuse within educational institutions has emerged as a pervasive and alarming social phenomenon that undermines the stability and functionality of schools.Beyond its direct health consequences, drug abuse reflects broader structural imbalances, cultural transformations, and social vulnerabilities that exacerbate the risks of violence in schools.Objective: This study investigates the sociological underpinnings of drug abuse in Algerian secondary schools and its association with violent behavior among students.Specifically, it seeks to answer the central research question: To what extent does drug abuse contribute to shaping or fueling violent student behavior in educational environments?Methods: The study employs a qualitative analytical design through content analysis of a documentary video depicting the spread of drug abuse in Algerian schools.This method allows for a contextual understanding of the interplay between substance use and the dynamics of school violence.Results: Findings indicate that drug abuse is both a symptom and a driver of violence in schools.It fosters hostility, irritability, and reduced academic engagement, thereby increasing the likelihood of interpersonal conflicts.Moreover, educational institutions, once considered protective environments, are increasingly vulnerable to becoming spaces of addiction propagation and violence.Conclusion: Drug abuse in Algerian schools constitutes not only a health crisis but also a profound social and educational challenge.Addressing this issue requires a multidisciplinary approach combining health interventions, 290 -www.imcra.az.

Source: Science Education and Innovations in the Context of Modern Problems

DOI: 10.56334/sei/8.12.24

Authors: Mezi Khadija, Maaziz Abdelkader, Goot Imane

Institutions: Centre Universitaire Nour Bachir El Bayadh, University of Carthage

Language: English

Topic: Youth, Drugs, and Violence

Subfield: Demography

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Good health and well-being, Quality education

Open Access status: bronze

Funder: University of Carthage