Schools, family must take lead in curbing drug menace

A new report revealing that children in the UAE are using drugs before they enter their teens is shocking and calls for all-out action to curb this menace. The report by the Ministry of Interior also said that nearly 40 per cent of illegal drugs in the world are sold in the Gulf. Drug-traffickers are using innovative ways to push drugs to children. Pain-killers like Tramadol or herbal smoking mixtures are being given to those who are susceptible to outside influences or too young to think for themselves.

Schools must play a leading role by conducting anti-drug workshops during which children are taught not to accept substances from strangers or experiment with things given to them by friends. Too often addiction begins with a puff encouraged by a friend or the urge to experiment due to peer pressure, but the role of the family can never be discounted or underestimated. Children must be encouraged to share at home all that they do outside, so that they can be counselled before it is too late.

A close relationship between parents and their children will go a long way in keeping the next generation safe.