Teachers of Adi Cakobau School have been reminded of their roles in moulding and preparing students for annual and external examinations, now that the final school term has begun.
National Substance Abuse Advisory Council education officer Talica Malani said the final term was when both students and teachers were academically pressured.
"Teachers must have a balanced and holistic approach in dealing with students whose academic results have dropped," she said. "There is a need to spend more time with students, especially those who are slacking down or who are weak."
Mrs Malani said in most cases students lost the urgency to improve in the classroom because of the feeling of being victimised by teachers and this could prompt them to indulge in drugs and substance abuse and related activities
"We must be able to communicate with the students and develop their trust so that they open up and share their personal problems," she said.
Mrs Malani, who was head girl of the school in 1976, said ignorance of hardships students faced and pinpointing problems rather than looking at solutions were some reasons why students failed exams or fail to impress when it mattered most.
Principal Salote Nawalowalo said it was important teachers were mindful of drugs and their impact on students.
She said these pertinent issues had proven to hinder students' learning.