Parents need to confront their own weaknesses when it comes to their children’s involvement with drugs, as responsibility for the increasing drug crisis cannot be pinned solely on authorities. This significant message was emphasized during a Speaker’s Debate held in Suva last week, where lawmakers, educators, non-governmental organizations, and community stakeholders discussed the critical impact parents have on their children’s lives.
One of the speakers, Shairana Ali, CEO of Save the Children Fiji, urged for stricter laws and policies aimed at protecting children, alongside increased funding for preventive initiatives. She highlighted alarming reports of rising funerals in some neighborhoods, particularly of children who have reportedly overdosed on methamphetamine.
Ms. Ali shared that many children are showing early signs of drug use, engaging in activities like glue sniffing and selling illegal substances. This is often a result of familial patterns where parents, particularly fathers, may normalize such behaviors, leading children to disengage from school and become involved in drug-related activities instead.
Moreover, she noted the substantial risks these children face, not just from drug use but from potential violence within their families, which can exacerbate their vulnerabilities. The cycle of addiction and broken families is becoming more pronounced, leaving children without the guidance and structure they need for healthy development.
To address these crises, Ms. Ali highlighted the need for better rehabilitation services and preventative strategies targeting youth. She called for a renewed focus on family values, parental involvement, and comprehensive support systems, while also advocating for a cultural shift in discussing mental health and recovery related to substance use.
Other voices at the debate echoed these sentiments. Opposition MP Rinesh Sharma acknowledged the pervasive influence of drugs, emphasizing the urgent need for discipline within schools and parental accountability. He stressed that addressing the drug issue requires a collective effort from society, necessitating improved cooperation and awareness to tackle the complexities underlying drug addiction.
Dr. Odille Chang, an associate professor of psychiatry at Fiji National University, updated participants on the disturbing rise in drug-related offenses and the urgent need for community-driven solutions tailored to Fiji’s unique context. She reported that FNU is working in partnership with the Ministry of Health to launch a community-based recovery facility focused on substance use disorders.
As Fiji faces these pressing challenges, the discussion presents a hopeful pathway forward through community engagement, education, and dedicated efforts to create effective support systems. By reinforcing family connections and investing in preventive care, there is potential for transforming the landscape so children can thrive in a drug-free environment.
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