A group called NACADA looked at how many students use drugs at universities in 2024. They found many young people were using dangerous things like alcohol, cigarettes, and other harmful drugs.
Their report showed that alcohol was the easiest drug to find. Many students could also buy cigarettes and different types of tobacco. The group learned that friends often push other students to try these bad things. Some teachers had a bad effect as well.
Parents make the biggest difference in keeping children away from drugs. Anthony Omerikwa, who leads NACADA, says parents need to start teaching their children about healthy choices when they are very small. Waiting until they become teenagers will not work as well.
He wants parents to know everything about their children's lives, including who their friends are. Parents should set good examples because children copy what they see at home. Talking openly with children helps them feel safe asking questions.
Parents must watch their children carefully and make rules about what they can and cannot do. If children make mistakes, parents should help them learn instead of punishing them. Parents also need to notice when their children act differently than normal, like sleeping at strange times or staying away from family activities.
Teachers and parents should work together to keep children away from drugs. Parents need to listen carefully when their children talk and always be there when their children need them. This makes children feel loved and protected.
Their report showed that alcohol was the easiest drug to find. Many students could also buy cigarettes and different types of tobacco. The group learned that friends often push other students to try these bad things. Some teachers had a bad effect as well.
Parents make the biggest difference in keeping children away from drugs. Anthony Omerikwa, who leads NACADA, says parents need to start teaching their children about healthy choices when they are very small. Waiting until they become teenagers will not work as well.
He wants parents to know everything about their children's lives, including who their friends are. Parents should set good examples because children copy what they see at home. Talking openly with children helps them feel safe asking questions.
Parents must watch their children carefully and make rules about what they can and cannot do. If children make mistakes, parents should help them learn instead of punishing them. Parents also need to notice when their children act differently than normal, like sleeping at strange times or staying away from family activities.
Teachers and parents should work together to keep children away from drugs. Parents need to listen carefully when their children talk and always be there when their children need them. This makes children feel loved and protected.
