For years, discussions about drug abuse on university campuses have followed a familiar pattern. A disturbing incident comes to light, concerns are raised, and attention turns to enforcement and punishment. By then, however, the damage has often already been done. Prevention rarely receives the same level of attention. That is why the recent initiative by Beaconhouse National University is a welcome development.

The university has launched publications on psychological first aid and substance use control while introducing a Drug Free Safe Campus Model. At a time when students are dealing with academic pressures, uncertainty about the future, social media driven anxieties, and a range of personal challenges, the initiative reflects an understanding of realities that many educational institutions are still struggling to address.

What stands out is the recognition that drug abuse does not emerge in isolation. In many cases, it is linked to emotional distress, poor mental health, peer pressure, or a lack of support. By focusing on awareness, counselling, and early intervention, the university is addressing the problem before it reaches a stage where disciplinary measures become the only option.

Universities are often evaluated by the degrees they award, the rankings they achieve, and the careers their graduates go on to build. Those measures matter. Yet the wellbeing of students deserves equal attention. A young person who is........

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