Prevention Starts with Parents.

Parental monitoring and supervision play critical in drug abuse prevention among the young population.

A survey conducted by the National Authority for the Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) dubbed Status of Drugs and Substance Abuse among the young population in Kenya in 2019 revealed that drug use remains prevalent despite intensified attempts by the government to create awareness of the effects of drug use.

The survey, which covered 3307 pupils from 177 primary schools across 25 counties, revealed that children as young as 4 years were abusing drugs. The children were most likely to use drugs during school holidays, on their way home, and during weekends. The most common sources of drugs were cited as small shops and bars near schools, friends, and school workers. This implies that parents are also involved in the supply of substances and drugs to the children.

Drugs, including tobacco and alcohol, are easily available to children and adolescents. As a parent, you have a major impact on your child’s decision not to use drugs.

Most likely, children in grade school have not begun to use alcohol, tobacco, or any other kind of drug. That is why grade school is a good time to start talking about the dangers of drug use. Prepare your child for a time when drugs may be offered.

Drug abuse prevention starts with parents learning how to talk with their children about difficult topics. Then, the programs offered by schools, sports, and other groups can support what you have started.

Prevention Starts with Parents

As a parent, you have a major impact on your child’s decision not to use tobacco, alcohol, and drugs.

• Prevention starts when you start talking with, and listening to, your child.
• Help your child make good choices and good friends.
• Teach your child different ways to say “No!”

Parents Are Powerful

Parents are the strongest influence that children have. There is no guarantee that your child won’t use drugs, but drug use is much less likely to happen if you:

• Provide guidance and clear rules about not using drugs.
• Spend time with your child.
• Do not use tobacco or other drugs yourself.