Creative drug prevention: Municipality informs young people at the "kifferbankerl"

Created: 01/14/2022 08:21

By: Joerg Domke

On the “kiffer bench” with the QR code: Matthias Weigl, contact person for social issues in the town hall and Rupert Ostermair, mayor of the municipality of Forstinning.

© Jörg Domke

The municipality of Forstinning in the district of Ebersberg offers young cannabis users an unusual educational opportunity directly at a consumption hotspot.

Forstinning

– drug use among young people has long ceased to be a problem in larger towns and communities.

A few months ago, employees at Forstinning town hall learned by chance that young people from the community on the northern edge of the Ebersberg forest were once again involved in drug use and drug dealing.

Forstinning has now thought of a creative way to make young people aware of the problems associated with cannabis consumption - directly on site at the "Kifferbankerl", a consumption focus in the community.

"Kifferbankerl" in Forstinning: The reason is a case on site

The mother of an affected young person confided in Matthias Weigl, contact person for social issues in Forstinning.

Her son not only consumed cannabis himself, but also reported regular drug dealing at his school in Markt Schwaben.

No new problem for Weigl and his fellow social workers in the neighborhood.

The QR code on the "Kifferbankerl" © jödo

Direct contact was sought with relevant specialist departments and competent colleagues, reports Weigl.

These included the youth officers of the Poing police, addiction prevention in Ebersberg, the district youth welfare office and the social workers at Markt Schwaben schools.

Police and school social workers see signs of drug problems

According to Weigl, the police and school social workers see signs of current regular use and dealing in drugs.

Social pedagogue Weigl and Mayor Rupert Ostermair (CSU) had received the unofficial order from the municipal council to address the issue publicly in the village – and in the surrounding communities, since it was probably also manifest there.

The goal: to raise awareness of the issue through suitable measures and to work as closely as possible with the neighbors.

Mayor Ostermair says: "We want to take the case mentioned as an opportunity and provide targeted information about the sometimes serious consequences of drug use." According to Weigl, one plan is to contact a former drug addict.

In the foreseeable future he should be telling stories in school classes.

Immediate measure: QR code that refers to an information page of the municipality

As an immediate measure, the municipality of Forstinning has become publicly active on the so-called Kifferbankerl.

Municipal administration and municipal council had established that there were three meeting places in the village where drug use, especially by young people, took place.

For example at the biotope behind the municipal building yard.

A QR code is now emblazoned on a wooden bench there.

Anyone who scans it with their smartphone is automatically directed to websites and contacts to local specialist agencies that deal with drug prevention and addiction support.

But there is also basic information about hemp and cannabis, indications of health and psychological consequences.

"Hi, did you know that...", the young people are greeted.

The following are indications that cannabis, despite its “soft drug” status, can have serious psychological and intellectual effects.

That there are medical areas of application, but also potential trouble with the driver's license office if you get caught.

After all, around 100 clicks to start

The site, operated by the municipality of Forstinning, can also be accessed on the Internet.

It's called: kifferbankerl.de.

According to Weigl, it was clicked on more than 100 times in the first month and a half.

This type of prevention work is considered to be unique far and wide.

Whether the QR code is a recipe for success remains to be seen.

The idea originally came from the ranks of the Forstinninger municipal council.

For the time being, parents of affected or endangered young people advise Weigl and Ostermair to turn to the experts in the district who are often available in a trusting manner.

Indications of possible drug use could be the drop in school performance and radical changes within the circle of friends.

Fathers and mothers should definitely have an open ear for the children in such situations.

Maintaining an open approach is the be-all and end-all, emphasized Rupert Ostermair.

contact and advice

The contact person for social issues in Forstinning town hall, Mathias Weigl, can be reached on Tel. (0 81 21) 93 09 25 or email weigl@forstinning.de.

He recommends these contact points when it comes to drug use and youth:

NEON Rosenheim is a specialist agency that often offers lectures in the Ebersberg district.

www.neon-rosenheim.de/drogen/

The educational advice center www.caritas-nah-am-naechsten.de/kjf-eltern-beratungsstelle-ebersberg

Caritas addiction counseling: www.caritas-nah-am-naechsten.de/fachambulanz-fuer-suchtsucht-ebersberg

Telephone: (0 80 92) 232 41 50 or email: fachambulanz-ebe@caritas-muenchen.de

Ebersberg health department: Email: suchtpraevention@lra-ebe.bayern.de