Experts suggest introducing early-stage awareness programmes in school curricula to prevent children from falling into the trap of substance abuse and addiction. Think Change Forum (TCF), an independent think tank, conducted a qualitative analysis to look into new trends in substance abuse among adolescents. It held over 12 consultations among women experts and mothers from varied fields on the subject. Mothers and women experts have proposed a six-point agenda to address the rising threat of addiction among children.
They have recommended introducing early-stage awareness programmes for children in all school curricula to prevent them from falling into the trap of substance abuse. They also express concern over the growing popularity of fancy electronic vaping devices among school children, which are being positioned as cool and safe by the international tobacco industry. This phenomenon is driven by clever marketing, which effectively glamorises and promotes unhealthy products.
Kavita Ashok, founder of Tree for Life, stressed the importance of communication in dealing with addiction. She said that a collective effort is needed from various stakeholders to foster connections with the youth and guide them to distinguish between right and wrong, cultivating a supportive environment that discourages harmful habits.
Dr. Varuna Pathak, former professor of Gynaecology and Obstetrics at the Gandhi Medical College, advocated for open dialogue on substance use, adding that there is no reason why we cannot talk about the ill-effects of seemingly harmless behaviours like vaping. Mothers can collaborate and form WhatsApp groups to discuss and promote a safe environment for children.
It is essential to find ways to address vaping, particularly as it has disguised itself as a fancy product and glamorisation of vaping and e-cigarettes is driving the youth towards it. Producers are projecting them as harm reduction products, of which there is limited evidence. It is imperative to educate children and make them understand that they are harmful and have long-term, negative effects.
