Campaign against drug abuse begins at home

The warning issued by Dubai Police on the spread of drugs among school children should be taken seriously by all and comes after an international drug smuggling gang was busted. But what is shocking is that the average age of children taking drugs has fallen from 16 to 12. Officials have also said that many youth are taking prescription drugs. This makes it more difficult to identify new addicts or the range of substances they abuse.

The onus of keeping children away from drugs rests on all citizens. The police are doing their part in running campaigns and raising awareness about the dangers of using drugs, but the first and best education on the subject begins at home. Parents must take time out to teach children about the ill effects of drug abuse and the harm it causes to the self and the society at large.

An intense and detailed campaign which begins at home will bear lasting fruit and can be followed up in schools and at other fora. Only then can the menace of drugs be stamped out.