PANAJI
In today’s world, children face dangers at every turn. Even the smartest kids are not immune to making poor choices, and for parents, the idea of their children being exposed to drugs in schools or colleges is particularly alarming. These institutions are meant to enlighten and empower, not become gateways to illegal activity.
“While I understand that it is difficult to keep track of what kids are doing all the time, a robust awareness programme should be in place in all schools and colleges that actively informs students about the dangers of drugs and illicit substances,” says a concerned parent, agreeing that parents also need to be up to date on the social lives of their wards – not as authoritarian figures, but as a support system.
Campuses under siege
In Goa, the creeping influence of drugs into educational campuses has become a serious worry for parents.
“It’s scary,” shares a parent recalling a harrowing experience at a village school where unidentified men were reportedly seen offering e-cigarettes and chocolates laced with drugs to students for free.
"Our child shares everything that happens at school, so we knew what was going on. Two classmates were caught with e-cigarettes, offering them to others. When confronted, one student tried to blame others, even alleging that my child was distributing them," recounted the parent.
"It was stressful, but we already suspected the real culprit. We alerted the headmistress, and with support from teachers and other classmates, my child helped uncover how the student had been luring peers with e-cigarettes and chocolates. It was a stressful time, but we got through it.”
Vulnerable adolescents
Another parent alleged that kids from well-to-do families are targeted, as they have money on them, and they can afford to buy once addicted.
“Kids of adolescent age do not know how to differentiate between many things as they are neither adults nor kids. Constant support from parents and teachers comes as a saviour. Also, a constant dialogue between parents and the child is a must. If that is shaken, the child does not know whom to turn to and ends up falling prey,” explained the parent.
The worry isn’t limited to one school or one town. An engineer father of a teenage girl sums up the fears of many parents:
“It’s scary but we have to face the reality. As parents we need to be vigilant and alert our kids to the possible danger. No kid, irrespective of their gender, is safe nowadays. We are facing new parenting challenges, you see," said the father.
"Goa is not what it was when we were students. All engineering and medical students undergo a lot of study stress. I also went through those stressful years, but never ever did our generation think of finding an escape through any addiction, be it smoking or alcohol. God save our kids...”
Early intervention is key
A parent noted that drug addiction has wreaked havoc among youth in the Western world, serving as a stark warning. They emphasised the need to address these risks early, before the potential of Indian youth is wasted, and said parents must remain vigilant and proactive in protecting their children from the lure of illegal substances.
“I cannot imagine the grief and hardship drug addiction can bring to parents of youth who are affected. It would be devastating to the bright prospects of our youth. I strongly urge college authorities and parents alike to spend quality time with their kids to ensure that they are aware of the ill effects of drugs. A little support will go a long way in combating this campus menace,” appealed one parent.
