OPERATION
NARCO-TERMINATOR is a student-designed board game that focuses on underage
drugs and vaping abuse. It is designed to educate young people about the risks
and consequences of drug and nicotine abuse and to help them develop
decision-making skills. This board game addresses the issue of underage drug
and vaping abuse, a common topic discussed in the education sector nowadays.The
game includes scenarios that depict the consequences of drug and nicotine
abuse. Some cards represent positive choices, to further increase their
understanding of the negative effects of drugs and vapes.It aims to raise
awareness while providing players with tools to make informed decisions and
resist peer pressure. This game is invented based on the data from our survey
that we have done on 304 respondents, which revealed that more than 60%
respondents of school students from the age of 13-17 are involved in vaping,
and more than 1% are involved in drug use, we recognize the need for an
effective educational tool to address this issue. As a fun and engaging
solution, we have decided to develop a board game that educates young people on
the dangers of drug abuse. We have recognized the need for an effective
educational tool to address this issue as 63.8% out of 304 respondents admitted
that they have tried vaping. Through interactive gameplay and decision-making
scenarios, the board game aims to encourage healthy choices among students. We
believe that this board game can be an effective tool to promote positive
change and reduce the prevalence of drug and nicotine use among school
students.The National Health and Morbidity(NHMS) Survey 2022 has found that the
high usage of electronic cigarettes or vape products by teenagers aged between
13 and 17 has increased from 9.8% in 2017 to 14.9% in 2022, says the Health
Ministry. It said this acute increase also occurred among teenage girls, as
there was a rise from 2.8% in 2017 to 6.2% in 2022. "Until today, the use
of electronic cigarettes has shown to bring negative effects to users; e-cigarette
or vaping product use is associated with lung disease," said Health
Ministry director-general Datuk Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan in a statement. He
said the Health Ministry is monitoring diseases associated with electronic
cigarettes, starting with a circular in June 2022 and added that this includes
e-cigarette or vaping-associated lung injury.As such, the Health Ministry
wishes to remind users that electronic cigarettes or vape products are not safe
as it has adverse effects to health and is not an alternative to smoking.
Keynotes: Substance Smart, Teen
Triumph, Prevention Pursuit, Harm Reduction Hustle, Youth Empowerment
Expedition.
Introduction
The issue of drug misuse has
undoubtedly become the primary concern of the world today. Its presence has
persisted since the golden era of the 1960s, a time when Pablo Escobar rose to
power as one of the world's most influential and affluent drug lords and
narco-terrorists. However, the problem goes beyond the notorious figures in
history. The discovery of stimulant drugs like marijuana and cocaine has taken
a toll on society at large. People from all corners of the globe are taking
advantage of these drugs, whether it is for personal enhancement, satisfaction,
or even to exploit vulnerable individuals.
Ever since
then, the abuse of drugs has skyrocketed in accordance with the development of
technology. When technology has taken a huge leap, drugs became predominantly
accessible for all regardless of location. The reality is that in every city,
in every neighbourhood, there are always bound to be people making deals in
alleyways, or making compromises with illegal drug dealers. In today's modern
and sophisticated world, it comes as no surprise that drugs such as vape
(e-cigarettes) or cigarettes are sold in abundance on every street corner. The
convenience and availability of these substances have made it easier than ever
for individuals to get their hands on them. This accessibility further
exacerbates the problem and poses a grave risk to society as a whole.
Unfortunately,
the consequences borne by society as a result of this drug epidemic are
manifold. History has shown us that drug abuse and its associated problems have
significant social, economic, and health implications. It destroys lives, tears
families apart, and creates a ripple effect that affects communities and
nations at large. The impact on our youth and teenagers is particularly
concerning. They are vulnerable and easily influenced, making them prime
targets for drug pushers and dealers. The manifestation of curiosity when they
see bright colours and misleading texts on vape containers will engage them
with this product. After taking multiple puffs, they become hooked and
addicted, often influencing others to follow suit. Disturbingly, statistics
reveal that more than 600 thousand teenagers, or 1 in 15, are considered
addicted to vaping.
The addiction
itself is just the tip of the iceberg. It is accompanied by a host of adverse
consequences. Academic performance suffers, relationships deteriorate, and
mental and physical health deteriorate. It is a vicious cycle that perpetuates
itself if left unaddressed. As responsible members of society, it is imperative
that we take action to combat this issue.
From our survey,
we have recognize the need for an effective educational tool to address this
issue as 63.8% out of 304 students admitted that they have tried vaping.
Therefore, we have come up with a fun and effective solution called OPERATION
NARCO-TERMINATOR. OPERATION NARCO-TERMINATOR is a student-designed board game
addressing underage drug and vaping abuse, promoting education and
decision-making skills in young people. It cost only RM 100 for printing and
laminating for 6 set of board game. We
have developed a comprehensive educational program that incorporates
interactive workshops, informative materials, and engaging activities to
educate young individuals about the dangers of drug misuse. By equipping them
with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed decisions, we aim to empower
them to resist peer pressure and make positive choices for their well-being.
In conclusion,
the issue of drug misuse is a complex and pressing problem that affects
societies worldwide. Its implications are far-reaching and demand immediate
attention. Through comprehensive education, community engagement, and
collaboration, we can work towards a future where individuals are equipped with
the knowledge and skills to make informed choices, and where the allure of
drugs is replaced by a commitment to personal well-being and the betterment of
society as a whole. It is only through unity and collective effort that we can
overcome this challenge and create a brighter future for generations to come.
Objective
1) To raise
awareness while providing players with tools to make informed decisions and
resist peer pressure.
2) To educate
young people on the dangers of drug abuse through an interactive and effective
gameplay.
3) To promote
positive change and reduce the prevalence of drug and nicotine use among
students while educating them on the risks and consequences of drugs and
nicotine while instilling in players the importance of formulating incentives
to have the audacity to throw out ideas.
4) To
effectively promote positive change and reduce the prevalence of drug and
nicotine use among school students.
5) To further
increase their understanding of the negative effects of drugs and vapes.
Methodology
Method:
Materials:
Survey (Google forms) Board game
Game pieces
Mission cards
Dice
Conduct a survey to
collect data and analyse the problem statements and objectives.
Survey was conducted
on 31st of January 20223 until 5th of March 2023 and has received responses
from 304 respondents.
From the survey, we
have received a total of responses from 304 students aged 13 to 17 years old.
Based on question
survey 1.
Based on the survey that we have conducted on 304
respondents, 63.8% equivalent to 194 respondents, have not tried vaping. While
36.2% equivalent to 110 respondents have admitted to trying out vaping.
Based on question
survey 2.
Based on the survey that we have conducted on 304
respondents, 64.8% equivalent to 197 respondents, have admitted that none of
their friends bring vapes to school. While 35.2% equivalent to 107 respondents
have admitted that their friends do bring vapes to school. The statistics are
concerning, suggesting that underage people should not be vaping at all.
Based on question
survey 3.
Based on the survey that we have conducted on 304
respondents, 60.9% equivalent to 185 respondents, have admitted to not
witnessing any school students vaping in the school area. While 39.1%
equivalent to 119 respondents have admitted to witnessing school students
vaping in the school area. The data statistics are concerning as it is strictly
prohibited to bring and use illegal substances and items in school areas based
on the school rules and regulations. Underage and high school students are also
not allowed to buy and use prohibited items and substances such as vape.
Based on question
survey 4.
Based on the survey that we have conducted on 304
respondents, 20.4% equivalent to 62 respondents, said that they did not know
that vaping is a prohibited item and knew nothing about the punishment for
students who bring vaping to school. While 79.6% equivalent to 242 respondents
said that they knew that vaping is a prohibited item and knew about the
punishment for students who bring vaping to school.
Based on question
survey 5.
Based on the survey that we have conducted on 304
respondents, 18.4% equivalent to 56 respondents, said that they did not know
that there are mental and physical health risks to smoking drug-laced vapes.
While 81.6% equivalent to 248 respondents said that they knew there are mental
and physical health risks to smoking drug-laced vapes. The data statistics are
concerning and shocking as there could be a sudden increase in the amount of
people who uses vape now that Malaysia effectively
legalised vaping from Apr 1, after the government exempted nicotine liquids and gels as
a controlled substance under the Poisons Act 1952, allowing them to be sold on
the open market and taxed.
Based on question
survey 6.
Based on the survey that we have conducted on 304
respondents, 17.4% equivalent to 53 respondents, are not willing to make a
report to the teacher if they see a student bringing vape or drugs to school.
While 82.6% equivalent to 251 respondents agreed to make a report to the
teacher if they see a student bringing vape or drugs to school.
Based on question
survey 7.
Based on the survey that we have conducted on 304
respondents, 21.7% equivalent to 66 respondents, will not refer their friend
who has a vape or cigarette addiction to a counselling teacher. While 78.3%,
238 respondents will refer their friend who has a vape or cigarette addiction
to a counselling teacher.
Based on question
survey 8.
Based on the survey that we have conducted on 304
respondents, 8.6% equivalent to 26 respondents, believe that schools do not
need to carry out drug and vaping education prevention activities in order to
help get a better understanding of drug and vaping abuse. While 91.4%,
equivalent to 278 respondents, believe that schools do need to carry out
drug and vaping education prevention activities in order to help me better
understand drug and vaping abuse.
Based on question
survey 9.
Based on the survey that we have conducted on 304
respondents, 1.3% equivalent to 4 respondents, have friends that are involved
actively in doing drugs. While 98.7%, equivalent to 300 respondents, do not
have friends that are involved actively in doing drugs.
Based on question
survey 10.
Based on the survey that we have conducted on 304
respondents, 0.7% equivalent to 2 respondents, have done drugs. While 99.3%,
equivalent to 302 respondents, have not done any drugs.
Solution: After collecting the data, our team decided:-
To come up with a solution that is designed to educate young
people about the risks and consequences of drug and nicotine abuse and to help
them develop decision-making skills. To find out a solution to overcome the
problem statements and achieve the objectives.
Methodology I: The Board Game
As a fun and
engaging solution, we have decided to develop a board game that educates young
people on the dangers of drug abuse. OPERATION NARCO-TERMINATOR has been well
designed by our team members in accordance with the current drug and vape
issues. From the cards to the figures, each and every speck of detail has been
carefully considered to fulfil and satisfy a consumer’s needs while playing
this board game. Besides that, this board game is not restricted to any age
group, which means this board game is appropriate for all ages! OPERATION
NARCO-TERMINATOR is a creative and engaging board game designed for 5-10
players, focusing on raising awareness about the dangers of underage drug usage
and vaping abuse. In the game, players take on roles such as the Culprit,
Prefects, and other students, with the main character being an undercover agent
named AGENT NARCO-TERMINATOR.
Items
1. Points
2. Tip
3. Dice
4. Game pieces
5. A box of questions (cards)
6. Action cards
7. Speech cards
8. Story cards
9. Identity cards
10. Clue cards
The Narrator is decided first and hands the identity cards
randomly to the rest of the players. Players start with a starting point of 20
pts. The narrator chooses a Story Card at random to start the game.
players roll the dice and move to their spot
1 - QUESTION
The player stops at “QUESTION”
Players answer the given question (random),
—- answer a question incorrectly -10 points
—-answer a question correctly +10 points
2 - REHABILITATION CENTER, PENALTY
The player stops at “REHAB CENTER” or “PENALTY”
The player cannot move/ roll the dice until the round is
over (when all players have moved)
and must remain in place. BUT players can choose to move by
- buying a question, which will cost 10 points.
And players must answer the questions correctly or no
actions ( remain at their spot until the round is over )
3 - FREE POINTS
4 - ACTION
5 - GROUP
MISSION
Players work
together to solve the mission. The culprit can sabotage the group mission by
answering the question incorrectly- a penalty for all the players.
AFTER A ROUND OF BOARD GAME
Before the voting session(optional) - players can buy one
clue regarding the culprit for 15 points.
The narrator pauses the game and reads the back of the first
card saying “A student at this school has been suspected of vaping in the
toilets, the school is launching an investigation” everyone starts the voting
session
One person can accuse another of being a culprit and said
person will have to defend themself.
The others may vote on who they think is the culprit
And after one person has been voted out they get a
suspension (whether or not they are the culprit)
If they are the culprit the NARC and others win
If they are not then the game continues
If the NARC gets voted out the culprit wins and the narrator
reads a secret card saying “All the school kids had fallen victim to drugs and
faced severe consequences”
MISSION CARDS
Game Pieces
- are used to represent a player
- are used to keep track of the number or position in a
board game
Results and Discussions
1. 100%
of game participants agree that this game can improve drug and vape prevention
education.
2. 100%
of players agree on the fun of learning while learning.
3. 100%
members of the Criminal Education Club enjoy and agree that the
extracurricular. activities are interesting.
4. 80%
agree that this activity for the subject of Physical Education and Health is
interesting and suitable to be carried out within an hour it requires for a minimum of 6 players.
Our program
focuses not only on the risks associated with drug misuse but also emphasises
the importance of resilience, self-esteem, and healthy coping mechanisms. We
believe that prevention is key, and by instilling these values early on, we can
build a generation of resilient and empowered individuals who are less susceptible
to the temptations of drugs. Furthermore, we recognize that addressing drug
misuse requires a multi-faceted approach. It is not solely the responsibility
of individuals or families but requires collaboration and support from various
stakeholders, including educational institutions, healthcare providers, law
enforcement agencies, and community organisations. By fostering partnerships
and promoting cooperation among these entities, we can create a united front
against drug abuse. What's more, we believe that saying no to substances like
vaping can make a person become the best version of themselves, while
implementing the KPM’s motto of ABC,
good and clever children “Anak Baik Lagi Cerdik”.
Conclusions
Our
team created OPERATION NARCO-TERMINATOR to tackle drug and vape issues. We've
carefully crafted every detail, from the cards to the figures, to make it
awesome for players. It's suitable for all ages, so parents and kids can enjoy
it together, having fun while promoting a healthy mindset and building stronger
bonds. This game is a powerful tool to drive positive change and combat drug
and nicotine abuse in schools and society. The Ministry of Education in
Malaysia supporting it for curriculum activities is a fantastic move. Let's
make a difference and say no to drugs with this amazing board game.
References
- E-cigarettes: Facts, stats and regulations
(https://truthinitiative.org/research-resources/emerging-tobacco-products/e-cigarettes-facts-stats-and-regulations)
- Effect and content of vape
(https://www.infosihat.gov.my/images/media_sihat/slaid/pdf/1_vape.pdf)
- Know the Risks: E-cigarettes & Young People (https://e-cigarettes.surgeongeneral.gov/)
- Malaysia Education
Ministry initiatives on addressing vape related issues among children and school
students (https://www.moe.gov.my/muat-turun/kenyataan-media/km2023/5747-km-berkaitan-inisiatif-menangani-isu-berkaitan-vape-dalam-kalangan-kanak-kanak-dan-murid-sekolah/file)
- More than 2.5 Million Youth Reported
E-Cigarette Use in 2022 (https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2022/p1007-e-cigarette-use.html)
- Results from the Annual National Youth Tobacco
Survey (https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/youth-and-tobacco/results-annual-national-youth-tobacco-survey)
- Vaping Rises Among Teens (https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2019/02/vaping-rises-among-teens)
- Vaping: What You Need to
Know (for Teens)
https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/e-cigarettes.html
