Drug-related cases seem to never end. News about people being arrested for using or distributing illegal drugs continues to appear across various media outlets in Indonesia. Unfortunately, those involved are not only adults—children have also fallen into the trap of these illegal substances.
This situation is certainly a serious concern for parents, especially those who have young children under the age of five. Parents play a crucial role in educating and guiding their children. Allowing children to fall into drug abuse can severely damage their future.
For this reason, there are several steps parents can take to protect their children from drugs. Reported by MyHealthNewsDaily.com, here are effective ways to keep children away from drugs:
1. Build a Strong Emotional Bond
Children who struggle with mental health issues or have difficulty managing their emotions tend to have a higher risk of becoming drug or alcohol users. Therefore, parents need to build strong emotional support within the family from an early age.
This can be done by talking regularly with your child, spending quality time together such as going on weekend trips, and engaging in positive activities as a family. Experts from Columbia University show that children who regularly have dinner with their families are less likely to engage in drug or alcohol use.
2. Talk About Drugs Early
Experts from the Phoenix House Foundation recommend that parents start talking to their children before they have the opportunity to try illegal drugs. Ideally, these conversations should begin before children enter high school.
Parents should openly discuss what drugs are and clearly explain the dangers and consequences of drug use, using language appropriate to the child’s age.
3. Set Clear Boundaries
A national survey on drug use and health in the United States in 2010 showed that 89.6 percent of teenagers aged 12–17 reported that their parents strongly disapproved of marijuana use, even if it was only tried once or twice.
Parents should apply the same approach by setting firm and clear rules. In addition to educating children about the dangers of drugs, parents must clearly communicate that drug use is unacceptable.
4. Provide Real-Life Examples
Besides explaining the dangers of drugs, parents should not hesitate to share real-life cases related to drug abuse. Talk to your child about neighbors or other individuals who have used drugs and explain the negative consequences they faced.
Real stories help children better understand the serious impact of drug abuse and make the message more relatable and memorable.
5. Address Problems Immediately
If a child is caught using illegal drugs or even shows suspicious signs, parents should take immediate action. Research shows that individuals who experiment with drugs at a young age are more likely to become addicted later in life.
However, parents should avoid reacting with anger. Instead, approach the child calmly, communicate openly, and provide motivation and support to help them change.
Ultimately, parents must actively monitor their children from an early age, including their social circles, to prevent them from being exposed to drugs. Keeping children away from drug abuse will help ensure a brighter and healthier future for them.
