Drugs are not child's play Campaign

 United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime (U.N.O.D.C.), as part of its endeavors to raise the awareness of the population of the destructive power of drugs and of the responsibility of the society care for children, chose for the international campaign to be launched June 26, 2006 - International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking the theme Drugs are not child's play.
Justification of the campaign:
Recent global estimates on the prevalence of drug use in the general population indicate 200 million people which represent 5% of the world's population aged 15 to 64 have used illicit drugs at least once in the last 12 months.
We further show some data referring to drug use among children and teen-agers in Romania as revealed by the Research Report "Drug use among the young people in Romania" made by the non-governmental organization Save the children Romania in 2005:

	AGE GROUP
	11-14 years	15-18 years
People who have ever tried an illegal drug (%)	1.1%	3.3%
People who know personally someone who has ever used drugs (%)	8.2%	24.1%
People who have been offered drugs (%)	1.0%	7.2%
People who use tobacco several times a day (%)	2.9	18.2
People who use alcohol several times a day (%)	0.4	0.7

But what about 4 and 10 year old children? Although they are seldom the object of national and international studies, children of all ages are affected by drug abuse and illicit trafficking. Street children, working and living in dire conditions, are vulnerable, as are boys and girls whose family members are buying or selling illicit substances. These kids are exposed not only to bad examples but also to violent behavior associated to drug abuse. In some instances, children have lost their parents to this scourge and are now cared for by uncles, aunts or grandparents.  At school, the situation may not be any better. Teenagers and peers may be pressuring kids to smoke cigarettes and drink alcohol, at first, and then to try marihuana. Other types of drugs may follow.

 

The anti-drug campaign proposed by the UNODC for 2006 urges adults to protect children. Parents, siblings and other family members can ensure that a child's home is a safe environment and that children are aware of the dangers associated with drug abuse. Teachers and social workers also have a role to play by watching out for warning signs and taking measures to address any drug-related problems.  For example, teachers can provide kids with information on the health risks linked to drug abuse and also give them a forum to discuss the issue openly. Other individuals and organizations can and should also contribute to the protection of children. The media, non-governmental organizations and government institutions are among them.
Parents and significant people in the child's life teach children the values and life skills and guide them in making the right choices. It is them who encourage children to make the best use of their spare time by participating to positive activities: sports, music and artistic activities. In this protective environment children have the chance to express their views and impart their emotions and feelings. For example, drugs can be an icebreaking topic between children and parents. If problems occur at home or at school, the family should react in the best interest of the child, by trying to understand the problems and identify solutions within and outside the family.

Teachers play an important role in building self esteem in children. They communicate with school children and respect them as individuals. School should be a safe environment in which children can develop inter-personal skills and the sense of responsibility. Both at school and at home, children can learn about the danger of drug use and the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. Class debates and drawing competitions are activities that can help children understand the effects of drugs on family and community. With this information, children will be better equipped to say no to those who offer them drugs.

Children are never too young to learn to be responsible and to protect themselves against danger. Refusing to take illegal drugs is a smart choice. Even though growing up is not always easy, childhood and adolescence can be fun! Millions of children across the world practice sports with their friends, play and instrument or in a band and participate to other extracurricular activities. In addition to studying and playing together, children and adolescents can inform each other about the danger linked to the use of drugs.

Society has a responsibility to protect children against the use of drugs. Home, school and playground should be safe places for kids. Pay attention to warning signs and take a stand against drug related problems. Get involved in keeping children and drugs apart!