Thursday, 27 April 2023 | PNS | DEHRADUN
In a recent meeting, the district magistrate of Dehradun, Sonika expressed grave concern over increasing prevalence of substance abuse among children. She directed the officers to take necessary steps to check the menace and make the children and parents aware about the effects of the drugs. As per the experts almost 50 per cent of children, especially teenagers, are consuming drugs and alcohol nowadays. They point out that abuse of drugs among children is increasing at an alarming rate in the state capital. To overcome the challenge, the State government has taken necessary preventive measures and has undertaken awareness campaigns in the educational institutes. The State government has also set a target to make the State free from drugs by the year 2025. However to decrease the drug consumption among the children, parents should also make the necessary efforts to control them.
Noted neuropsychologist, Dr Sona Kaushal Gupta said, “In the past two years, while doing counselling programmes we have found that girls and boys are aware of every type of drug. In a recent counselling session we have found that 40 to 50 per cent of children are in the habit of taking drugs and alcohol. Especially the teenagers who are 14-15 years in age indulge more in taking alcohol and drugs. However the reason for taking drugs at this age can be hormonal changes or the unbearable pressure of studies. At the teenage age children are not aware about what is right or wrong for them”. Commenting further she said, “Social media and films are the main factor which influences children to increase the consumption of drugs. Films and social media indirectly push the children towards the consumption of drugs. Therefore it is the responsibility of parents to inform their children about the ill effects of drugs and alcohol. For controlling their children, parents must be aware about the symptoms of drug consumption among children. Red eyes, sleeping more and change in behaviour are the main indications for the parents about their drug addicted child. Stopping their children in these activities parents must communicate with them as much as possible.’’ she said.
Gupta added that the parents must take their children for counselling as soon as possible.
