A Chennai schoolyard has become a troubling ground zero for underage substance abuse, with students as young as pre-teens indulging in beer and tobacco products. The disturbing revelations, uncovered by The Times of India, paint a picture of a school culture gone awry.
On 23 August 2024, a Times of India report highlighted troubling incidents of substance abuse at a higher secondary school in Kalyanapuram, Vyasarpadi. The report revealed a disturbing trend of a Class IX girl celebrating her birthday by drinking beer in the classroom, with her Class VII brother purchasing it for her. Shortly after, three Class X boys were caught smoking Beedis on campus.
Despite bans, the report also noted the circulation of a tobacco product called ‘Cool Lip’ among students. Sold for ₹150 per box of 25 packets, ‘Cool Lip’ provides a brief high and is used by students after lunch.
The report also shed light on systemic failures at the school, including poor infrastructure, such as locked labs and libraries, inadequate water supply, and lack of sports facilities. Despite the school’s attempts to manage these issues, such as employing psychologists and building sports courts, the problems persist.
TOI Women journalist Padmaja J highlighted the substance abuse menace among school students in her X official account.
“A shocking reality at a @chennaicorp higher secondary school in Kalyanapuram, Vyasarpadi, reveals a disturbing trend among students. Earlier this week, a Class IX girl celebrated her birthday by drinking beer in her classroom, with her Class VII brother purchasing it for her. Just days later, three Class X boys were caught smoking beedis on campus.”
“Substance abuse is becoming alarmingly common, with tobacco products like ‘Cool Lip’ being distributed among students, despite strict bans. This Cool Lip comes from Bengaluru and is sold among students for Rs150/box with 25 packets. It is used by students after lunch and gives them a 45-minute high and coolness. (Pic 1: Cool Lip),” She added.
“This isn’t just about the students—it’s a systemic failure. The school itself is in disrepair. Labs and libraries remain locked, toilets don’t have much running water, and there’s no drinking water. Students pool Rs30/day for water and face harsh conditions daily. They say they can only go to toilets outside the school. There is no PT teacher or sports equipment, let alone a PT period,” She further added.
“School HM says that she asks students to stand or sit outside if they take substances inside campus to reform them. But the school also does not allow students of class 9 and above to play in the ground or go outside to use toilets, for ensuring discipline and order. HM says that students also vandalise school infrastructure, damaging the school, despite Rs50k repair funds/year. @chennaicorp hired 10 psychologists to address these issues in their 420 schools and officials said that they are building football and volleyball courts to channel such anti-social behaviours into physical activities for healthy reforms among students. The Vyasarpadi school, near the Vyasarpadi flyover has a sprawling large ground and still awaits a new building to be handed over to accommodate students and also set up proper labs,” She further added.
A shocking reality at a @chennaicorp higher secondary school in Kalyanapuram, Vyasarpadi, reveals a disturbing trend among students.
Earlier this week, a Class IX girl celebrated her birthday by drinking beer in her classroom, with her Class VII brother purchasing it for her.… pic.twitter.com/UmmFwRp8vp
— Padmaja J (@padmajaTOI) August 23, 2024
In response, Karti P. Chidambaram took to X to advocate for a comprehensive crackdown on the distribution of ‘Cool Lip’ and underage drinking. He called for stricter protocols at Tasmac outlets, including the use of CCTV cameras and Aadhaar-linked sales to curb these issues.
Karti P Chidambaram stated, “‘Cool lip” is a problem in my constituency too, been flagging it regularly to the district administration, need a statewide crack down on its supply & distribution. Under age drinking is increasing too. Stricter protocols in Tasmac outlets is needed. CC TV cameras & Aadhar linked sales could be an option.”
“Cool lip” is a problem in my constituency too, been flagging it regularly to the district administration, need a statewide crack down on its supply & distribution. Under age drinking is increasing too. Stricter protocols in Tasmac outlets is needed. CC TV cameras & Aadhar… https://t.co/cu9Kv3sELc
— Karti P Chidambaram (@KartiPC) August 24, 2024
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