A parent's dedication to raising their child is priceless. The various types of drugs that have infiltrated our society kill not only young adults but also children.
As a result, parents are constantly concerned that their child will be apprehended by the drug monster at school, during an extracurricular activity, while having fun with friends, or while sitting alone in class. Parents who are constantly terrified that the drug monster will destroy their child at any moment are unable to concentrate on their daily tasks.
The drug problem, which is worsening day by day, poses a threat to the entire society. Authorities are currently working to control the situation, recognizing the social and economic consequences of the drug epidemic. Do you realize that as parents, we can make a big difference in this situation?
Children may use drugs for a variety of reasons, including a complex interaction of personal, social, and environmental factors. Before attempting to prevent drug use and addiction in children, it is critical to understand the common factors that contribute to this situation.
Children are naturally curious. Their natural curiosity motivates them to try new things and enjoy the outcomes. Another reason is a lack of knowledge about the risks and consequences of drug use in children. Children have a limited understanding of how drug addiction affects them. Everything is new to them. Negative peer pressure can also be a strong motivator for children to experiment with drugs. Some children experiment with drugs to share their peers' experiences and achieve equality.
A dysfunctional family environment, such as a parent's drug addiction or neglect of their children, can also expose a child to drugs. Furthermore, they may choose drugs to treat mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or trauma in children because of specific events.
Children who live in areas with low economic opportunities, high crime rates, or a high drug abuse environment may be exposed to drugs. Some social media content influenced children's drug use. Exposure to these media can easily lead to drug addiction in children. It is critical to understand that each child is unique, and the factors that lead to drug use can differ from one another.
Another reason is a lack of positive adult role models or mentors in a child's life. Steps to create a strong supportive and communicative environment remain insufficient in society. There are few programs that educate children about the dangers of drug use and provide healthy alternatives.
After identifying the situations in which the child may resort to drugs, we can determine what steps should be taken to eliminate them. Parents can play a significant role in this situation. Let's look at some simple strategies that parents can use to help prevent and address substance abuse.
Keep track of your child's social circle, activities, and preferred locations. Check in on their plans and the people they socialize with on a regular basis. Learn more about your child's friends and family. If possible, make friends with them.
Create a work schedule that encourages family bonding. Eating and playing together, as well as taking time to sit down and discuss everyday details and events with family members, will limit children's ability to focus on trivial matters.
Create an environment in which the child can freely to express their concerns, inappropriate fears, and experiences. Pay close attention to the child and let them openly express their emotions and experiences. Establishing and maintaining open lines of communication with children will help you better understand their problems.
Make children understand the dangers of drug use. Additionally, provide age-appropriate information about the risks and consequences of drug use. Use real-life examples or stories to demonstrate the effects of drug addiction. Children frequently mimic their parents' behaviors, so set a good example.
Teach your child how to handle stress, anxiety, and peer pressure. Extracurricular activities, sports, and hobbies help children develop resilience to external pressures while instilling a sense of self-worth.
Explain to the child the family's stance against drug use, as well as the consequences of making a mistake. If you discover that another child has developed a drug addiction, please notify the school principal, teachers, or parents.
Increasing a child's media literacy can help them evaluate and reject drug-use messages. If you suspect your child is abusing drugs, seek assistance from a medical professional or a special counsellor. In such cases, it is your responsibility to guide and support your child.
Parents who actively engage with their children and provide appropriate guidance can help to prevent drug abuse and raise a healthy future generation. Parental responsibility includes shaping their children's personalities, values, and skills, as well as their mental and physical development.
Dr. Nadee Dissanayake
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Founder/Secretary - CUP
Senior Commissioner
Inland Revenue, Sri Lanka
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