Children Turning to Drugs: A Cry for Help?

A representative from the Substance Abuse Advisory Council (SAAC), Josua Naisele, has highlighted a concerning trend where children are turning to drugs as a means to cope with anxiety. During a recent presentation at the congress organized by the Fiji Teachers Registration Authority and the Ministry of Education in Nadi, he shared insights on the complex challenges surrounding youth substance abuse.

Naisele pointed out that many parents lack the knowledge to effectively address their children’s drug use. He explained that counseling reveals that a significant number of students resort to drugs due to various forms of abuse, neglect, and exploitation in their lives. He emphasized the importance of creating a calm and stable emotional environment for children, advocating for teachers to ensure students are emotionally prepared for learning.

The issue is compounded by domestic abuse, which can lead children to seek solace in drug use as an escape from their unstable home environments. Naisele also noted that corporal punishment and inadequate parenting skills are contributing factors to this trend.

Furthermore, he emphasized the adverse effects of normalizing drug use within families, which can skew children’s perceptions, leading them to believe that experimenting with multiple substances is acceptable behavior.

In light of this serious situation, there is a glimmer of hope. Naisele’s advocacy for improved parenting skills and emotional stability for children can pave the way for healthier coping mechanisms, showcasing the importance of community and educational support in addressing these challenges. Through awareness and proactive measures, it is possible to create a more positive and supportive environment for children, helping them to navigate their emotional struggles without resorting to substance abuse.

This discussion serves as a reminder of the crucial role that educators and parents play in shaping the mental well-being of young individuals and highlights the need for community resources to tackle these heavy issues effectively.