We need to act urgently to find out and assist the children that are turning to drugs as many are starting to think that this will satisfy their internal issues which they struggle with in terms of security, value, worth, confidence, safety and in trying to be around with the right people.
This has been highlighted by Inspire Pacific Co-founder and Program Director Ben Morrison during fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan when questioned on the involvement of students and youths in drugs and glue sniffing and being targeted by drug dealers.
Morrison says those who take drugs have a symptom of a deeper issue.
Assistant Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran says children get easily affected by judgment and criticism as most of the time, people see them and judge them, which they feel and get affected by.
When questioned on tackling the issue of drugs, Kiran says the police and the Ministry of Education are trying to identify issues, counsel people and remove accessibility however, there needs to be a lot of awareness and real case studies done as well. She says there will be a shift if there is enough support and information provided.
The Assistant Minister further says in the Central Division, some parents leave home for work early morning, return late and do not spend much time with their children or see them.
She says after 3.30pm is when the majority of the damage is done whereby children are loitering around in town.
Kiran says we need to think outside the box on how we look after our children.
You can watch the full Straight Talk interview below.
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