How to teach children that drug use is wrong

Teaching children about the dangers of drug use is not an easy task, young people often feel that adults are being judgmental, 'out of touch' and hypocritical, especially when it comes to marijuana use.  However even marijuana has its dangers and it can lead to serious cognitive deficits in later life, not to mention the fact that it is illegal, and a criminal record could have a dramatic impact on the chances available later in life. 

But still the question remains about how to teach children that drug use is wrong, and how to instill in them that using drugs is not something to be encouraged.  A recent news story highlights how one mother in America tackled this issue with her teenage son; by forcing him to wear a sign saying “smoked pot, got caught” in a busy district (The Fix, 2012).  His mother reports that the method was intended to inject some “public humility” and demonstrate how even smoking pot can have negative consequences, despite it being viewed as 'less serious' than other drugs.

Although this technique may not work or be appropriate punishment for everyone, the teenager reports that he knows smoking cannabis was stupid, and intends never to do it again, suggesting that sometimes the more drastic approaches can work well. 

Although such approaches may seem extreme, many parents and even children would likely argue that they would prefer this method than having to go through treatment at a rehabilitation clinic.  Educating young people about the dangers of drugs means demonstrating the negative consequences of such behaviour, and sometimes this can only be done with more drastic messages.

The Fix.  (2012).  Teen Forced to Wear "Smoked Pot, Got Caught" Sign.  Sourced from: http://www.thefix.com/content/son-smoking-pot-humiliation90521

Published by on 14/09/2020.

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