Concerns are mounting among authorities regarding the impact of family environments on children’s exposure to illegal substances, particularly in light of recent incidents of drug-related activities in schools. During a consultation focused on preventing substance abuse, an official from the Substance Abuse Advisory Council highlighted a disturbing case from last year where a Class One student was reportedly involved in selling drugs at school, allegedly provided by the child’s father.
Mere Guivalu, a senior counselor at the Substance Abuse Advisory Council, expressed her worries that many children may be introduced to drugs not solely through peer pressure but also within their own homes. She noted a troubling trend of students becoming increasingly involved in drug sales, especially with incidents of substance use tied to performance enhancement during significant school sporting events, such as the Coca-Cola Games, which often see a rise in reported cases.
Dr. Sheetal Singh, the Acting Medical Superintendent of St Giles Hospital, added that children who grow up in environments where drug use and distribution are normalized are at a much greater risk of developing dependency issues. “If a parent allows a child to sell drugs at such a young age, it undermines their ability to guide that child later on against drug use,” Dr. Singh warned. She highlights the need for prevention efforts to start at home, asserting that parental behaviors communicated to children can send powerful messages regarding substance use as a coping mechanism or a means to make quick money.
In response to these alarming trends, authorities are advocating for enhanced collaboration among families, communities, schools, and law enforcement agencies to tackle what they view as a deeply troubling issue. The push for a united front in addressing substance abuse aims not only to protect children but to foster healthier environments that do not expose them to the risks associated with illegal drugs.
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