Page 91 - Cascade I SHPS School Magazine 2024
P. 91
SURESH KUMAR
MARIVEETTIL
President, PTA
Escape into DRUGS
NO TO
a Prison
he drug inventory threatening children What can students do?
Tis huge. Why do youngsters fall easy First, let us be vigilant against drug trafficking and
prey to drug abuse? The reason starts initially peddling. Spirited participation in creative activities
from children’s innocent curiosity and fun, at school can keep your mind active, productive and
peer encouragement and pressure, isolation, focused. That is why we need to make use of our
loneliness, lack of supportive environment at school facilities to hone skills in sports, dance, music,
home, parental pressure for securing a well- etc. Students, whenever you have any difficulties, at
paying, glamorous job and so on. Nowadays, home or at school, you should immediately involve
such pressures start quite early. The teen brain your parents and teachers in finding a good solution.
is focused on exploring the world, pushing the It is a fact that, overall, Silverites are privileged to have a
boundaries of freedom and is prone to more wonderful supportive school and home environment.
risk taking. That can be a challenging tightrope Our school is designed to nurture our emotional
for parents. intelligence which is more important than mere
The regular use of drugs, whether hard or academics. Staying immune to drug abuse is a key part
soft, invite mood swings, loss of interest in of developing one's emotional intelligence.
favorite activities, violent behavior, withdrawal What can parents do? Parents should take the
and signs of depression. Teens who use drugs initiative to encourage children, find more quality time
are more likely to struggle with addiction later to spend with them, listen to them and understand
in life. They also tend to have permanent and their problems.
irreversible brain damage. Consider these strategies to prevent teen drug abuse:
Danger looms in the lurking presence of • Know your teen's activities.
drug peddlers around school campuses. In order • Establish rules and consequences.
to make easy and quick money, these peddlers • Know your teen's friends.
tempt children with offers of mouth-watering • Keep track of prescription drugs.
chocolates, yummy ice creams, perfumes and • Provide support.
many more. It is risky to accept them. They may • Set a good example.
contain mood enhancers. Once such materials Parents, teachers and students, it is never too soon
are used, there is the tendency to use them again. to start a conversation about drug abuse. The
Slowly, the victim becomes a regular user and conversations you have today can help you make
later, an addict. healthy choices in the future.
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