Launch a movement against drugs
R. SUNDARALINGAM
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UNODC's theme "Drugs are not child's play" for this year is a wake-up call on a menace that is assuming epidemic proportions.
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THE United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime's (UNODC) choice of "Drugs are not child's play" as the theme for 2006 is not just timely but overdue. It makes the world community, their governments, non-governmental organisations and civil society aware of the damaging and destructive potential of the illicit drug menace. Targeting children has a special significance considering the increasing number of adolescents and adults becoming addicted to narcotic drugs. India is no exception. According to reports, the number of cocaine addicts, for instance, has increased by an estimated 300 to 400 per cent in recent years.
A disturbing feature is the underestimated and ill-understood drug problem in younger children. This pertains not only to children who may become addicts at a young age but also to their greater propensity to be targeted for preventive intervention at a formative time of their development. In combating drug addiction, stopping the initial intake of a drug is easier and better than trying to break an already-established addiction. This calls for early intervention by parents, teachers, governments, non-governmental organisations and society in general.
Changing lifestyles
Given the innumerable conflicts, inequities in wealth distribution and neglected societies mired in poverty, children are the most neglected and subject to abuse of various forms. On the other hand in societies undergoing rapid socio-economic development such as India, there is an increasing breakdown of traditional core family values. The latter could be attributed to the seeming affluence coupled with changing lifestyles. The audio-visual media plays a major role in depicting glamorous social lifestyles both as news items and as part of marketing in a consumerist environment.
The drug consumption scene has changed rapidly and will continue to do so engulfing the progressively younger, often rich young kids, either unaware of or ignoring the danger of long-term addiction and damage. Risk taking behaviour is symbolic of the youthful bravado demonstrated by children and adolescents, as is the desire for instant gratification with no concern for its consequences. Peer pressure is a potent force when it comes to children and youth and the push to experiment is often the initiation, as with alcohol, tobacco and even sex. Obviously peer pressure is a greater driving force. However, "peer pressure" could also be used in developing desirable habits and correcting dangerous life styles.
There is an urgent need to make children, families and peers, aware of the far-reaching and damaging implications of narcotic drugs. Parents and teachers have an immense responsibility towards their wards. They must also be "role models" if their advice is to be taken seriously by children. A parent or teacher who smokes or consumes alcohol, for instance cannot be effective in preventing their children from taking to these substances. "Practising what you preach" is a good way of being effective. It is well known that the support given by caring parents and teachers is one of the most protective factors against drug abuse and related ills.
Erroneous belief
There are some who feel that such issues should not be discussed with children, especially in India. This is an erroneous belief. We should learn from the bitter experience of the massive fallout that has resulted by hiding the issue of HIV/AIDS, based on the same premise in the last two decades. The Government needs to improve strategies and implement measures to control the rapidly escalating menace more effectively. Action has to be taken on many fronts including trafficking and demand- reduction. It can also take measures, in the interests of its people and especially the children, to ensure that the media is not given a carte blanche to use material that could indirectly glamorise the use of narcotic drugs. The child's mind is in its formative period and susceptible to such influences, as we have seen with scenes of violence shown in the visual media.
Given big money that the drug barons can afford and the favours that big money can buy, proper and effective enforcement can be a challenge. But if the Government fails to address this challenge, it will do so at its peril. The benefits of the much-publicised economic boom in this country would be deeply eroded by the fallout of unbridled evils such as that caused by the drug menace.
Society has a special responsibility towards the many millions of young people who do not have the advantage of a supportive home environment. Civil society and civil society institutions, particularly in the non-governmental sector can play a critical role in moulding the character and future of our children — the future citizens and our greatest asset. There are several ways in which help could be organised to inculcate desirable habits and not fall prey to undesirable and unhealthy practices. The provision of educational books and films is one step.
The other is to provide areas for recreation and healthy environments for play in safe surroundings. It is through multi-pronged action and partnership among all interested groups that success in stemming the rising tide of this scourge can be halted.
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