In a crucial guide developed by the Anti-Narcotics Council and the National Drug Prevention Program, under the Ministry of Interior, the pivotal role parents play in safeguarding their children from the dangers of substance abuse is highlighted. The guide stresses the importance of adopting a preventative approach tailored to each child’s age group, with a clear emphasis on different strategies for each developmental stage, starting from birth.
The guide focuses on three main pillars: early awareness, identifying early warning signs, and providing treatment and rehabilitation when needed. It underscores the need for parents to adjust their communication style according to the child’s developmental stage, ensuring the message resonates effectively at each phase.
Age-Based Stages and Preventative Strategies:
🔹 From Birth to Age 5:
In these formative years, children are highly impressionable and eager to mimic adult behavior, making it a prime time for instilling positive values and warnings against harmful behaviors. Parents are advised to educate their young ones on the dangers of smoking, showing them how harmful it is, potentially leading to serious health problems or even death. The guide also stresses caution around toxic substances like tobacco products, cleaning chemicals, and paints, which can have dangerous health effects. Furthermore, it’s recommended that parents avoid giving children medication without a prescription and allow them to make simple decisions to boost their confidence.
🔹 Ages 6 to 10:
As children grow, their understanding of the world expands, necessitating clearer and more direct guidance. The guide recommends reminding them of the dangers of drugs and their detrimental effects on the brain and overall health, while encouraging them to reject negative behaviors, such as hanging around smokers or succumbing to bullying. Parents are also advised to discuss real-life scenarios—such as a child mentioning they rode in a car with a smoker—highlighting the health risks of secondhand smoke. It’s crucial to reassure children that their parents are always available to offer support.
🔹 Ages 11 to 14:
This is a transitional phase where children begin to form their identities and assert their independence. The guide suggests engaging them in discussions about their hobbies and future goals, helping them navigate the physical and emotional changes they experience, whether through sports or community activities. Parents should also monitor their friendships, ensuring their children choose good companions and teaching them how to handle peer pressure. Additionally, training children in refusal skills is essential, enabling them to confidently say no when faced with offers to try drugs.
🔹 Ages 15 to 18:
The teenage years are critical, with external influences becoming more prominent. The guide emphasizes the need to clearly communicate the severe consequences of drug abuse, which can ruin academic and career prospects. It advises involving teens in setting family rules and explaining the consequences of breaking them. One-on-one time with each child is encouraged to strengthen familial bonds, and celebrating their achievements, no matter how small, is important. Parents should provide accurate information about the legal and health risks of drugs, keeping them informed about societal trends and emerging substances.
Ultimately, the guide stresses that the role of parents goes beyond guidance; it’s about creating a supportive environment that fosters trust and open communication, empowering children to make responsible decisions and shield them from the dangers of substance abuse.
