Augustów: police warn pupils about drug dangers

At Primary School No. 2 in Augustów, a topic took center stage that many children first encounter only through stories or online: how to stay safe—and what responsibility means when you are still a minor. A police officer visited the school and spoke with pupils about everyday risks, how to act in difficult situations, and the legal consequences of certain actions. The meeting was part of the prevention campaign “Narkotyki i dopalacze zabijają” (“Drugs and so-called legal highs kill”), which is used in many regions to educate early about the dangers of addictive substances.

Safety in everyday life: from the school route to the online world

The visit was not about a single buzzword, but about a range of situations in which children and teenagers have to make decisions. The officer addressed how to behave on the way to school, when to seek help, and why it is important to recognize boundaries—your own and those of others. Dealing with strangers, staying safe in groups, and speaking to teachers or parents when something feels wrong were also discussed.

Another focus was the reality that a large part of communication now happens digitally. Especially there, risky offers or group pressure can develop quickly. Prevention in this context means finding words for problems early: children should know that asking for help is not “snitching,” but taking responsibility—for themselves and for others.

What minors may do—and what can have consequences

The police officer also explained to the pupils what it means to be criminally or administratively responsible. The discussion emphasized that consequences do not start only “later,” but that certain actions are taken seriously even at a young age. It covered basic rules: no one may be forced to do something, no one has to prove themselves, and supposedly “harmless” dares can cause real harm.

It was made clear that responsibility is not only about protecting yourself. It also includes not putting others at risk, not escalating conflicts, and involving adults when in doubt. This is particularly important because many situations in school life or on the way home arise from momentum: a group, a moment, a decision—and suddenly something is tried that you might have rejected on your own.

Campaign against drugs and “dopalacze”: early education instead of later repair

The school visit took place as part of the campaign “Narkotyki i dopalacze zabijają.” The initiative’s name is deliberately stark because it conveys a central message: using drugs and so-called legal highs can be life-threatening—not only in the long term, but also acutely. Education in schools is meant to prevent children and teenagers from ending up in situations where they try risky substances out of curiosity, fear of exclusion, or a misguided desire to “belong.”

The danger is particularly difficult to assess with so-called “dopalacze.” These are often substances with changing compositions and unpredictable effects. Even small amounts can lead to severe health consequences. For young people, it is also hard to evaluate risks realistically when social media or conversations focus only on the “thrill,” not on emergency callouts, loss of control, and long-term damage.

Recognizing typical pressure situations

Prevention work therefore also addresses a psychological pattern: many dangerous decisions are not planned, but happen in moments of pressure. Children should learn to recognize such situations—and to be prepared to say “no” without having to justify themselves. Equally important is the message that real friends respect boundaries and that seeking help is not a sign of weakness.

• Group pressure: “Everyone does it” is often an exaggeration—and not an argument.
• Curiosity: unknown substances are not a playground for experiments, but a risk.
• Dares: crossing boundaries can endanger you and others.
• Online contacts: offers and “tips” on the internet are not trustworthy.

Role of the school and parents: enabling conversations

Such meetings are also a signal to adults: prevention works best when school, families, and institutions cooperate. Children need reliable contacts and the feeling that questions are allowed—even uncomfortable ones. Those who learn early to talk about uncertainty can seek help faster later if problems develop.

The officer did not only convey rules, but also a basic attitude: safety grows when you can assess situations, know boundaries, and dare to ask for support. Especially with topics like drugs or new, hard-to-classify substances, knowledge is a protective factor. The earlier this protection is built, the less likely it is that risky offers will seem “normal” during adolescence.

Why prevention starts in primary school

That such a campaign is present already in primary school has a clear background: many behavior patterns that matter later are formed early. Those who learn young to say no, get help, and not define themselves through group pressure have better chances of holding their ground in difficult situations. It also lowers the barrier to turning to trusted adults if a problem arises—at home or among friends.

The visit in Augustów shows what prevention can look like in practice: not as an abstract warning, but as a conversation at eye level, adapted to the children’s age. At its core was the idea that safety and responsibility belong together—and that education is a tool that can protect lives.