Chennai: The song Gaana opened with a chillum that was passed by people smeared.
Videos are played with lyrics flavored with references to various types of liquor.
Glimbhs from rolled joints flashing on the screen and the lyrics praise the “good effect” smoking marijuana.
Songs like this are popular among teenagers, many of them become prey to drug abuse, initially entering it because of being curious and because of the pressure of peers.
Not only marijuana.
A survey conducted by non-government social education institutions in three districts in April found that 9% of school children (class VII to XII) are addicted to substances such as alcohol, tobacco derivatives (tobacco derivatives) and cigarettes) and cigarettes) and Cigarettes, besides marijuana.
NGOs took teacher assistance to conduct surveys among 3,021 students studying in 168 schools in the Chennai District, Tiruvannamalai and Ooty.
From children who recognize drug abuse, 26% said they were addicted to alcohol, 23% used cool lips, 22% smoked or used other tobacco products, 13% while sniffing bleach and rubber solution, while 10% smoked marijuana.
The reason for substances abuse varies – 45% said it was due to the pressure of peers, 21% said it was due to easy access, and 17% said they were trying to be curious.
Kurinji, a school teacher from a school near Chennai, said small shops near the school encouraged children to get their colleagues to try cool lips.
“Everything starts with a cool lip capsule where some primary students are also addicted.
Small shops give one sachet to students who bring other people.
The state government must travel greatly throughout the state and seal shops that sell these substances To small children, “he said.
R Siva, another teacher, said songs that promote marijuana are increasingly popular among school children on the video streaming platform.
“After online class, students see this type of song,” he said.
“Students are now exposed to so many unwanted things through streaming platforms and other media as parents start back to work.
Students from elite backgrounds or from nuclear families are very vulnerable.
Parents need to spend quality time with their children,” said N Vijayan, senior principle of Zion and Alwin Groups.
“The state government needs to monitor small stores when schools are reopened.
Teachers need to be trained on the prevention of substances and government abuse needs to appoint an advisor at the block or district level,” said J Shiyam Sundar, director of the Institute of Social Education.
Cutting access to the key of the drug, said experts pay individual attention to students to train teachers to implement strict legislation, experts have various suggestions to prevent substance abuse among children.
With schools expected to reopen, dealing with substance abuse problems can be a greater challenge for management.
Chitra, a teacher, said the right care and attention to each student can help.
“We need to show love to provide emotional support to students,” he said.
Many teachers say school alone cannot end this.
“The government together with law enforcement agencies needs to ensure these substances are not available,” said one.
V Surdendran, Associate Professor and Head of Psycho-Oncology and Resource Center for Tobacco Control, Cancer Institute, Adyar, said many substances used cool lips due to the effect of peer.
“It’s not the only responsibility of the government, policy makers and law enforcement officials, teachers and parents are also responsible,” he said.
This center conducts intervention sessions at school and creates awareness among teachers about tobacco effects.
“Parents need to spend adequate time and observe what their children do.
Is there a smell that comes from them? What’s in their pocket? Parents and teachers must be more alert and help children learn something for the development of Lifeskill , “he said.
Other psycho, evidhubala oncologists, said there was a shift in how tobacco was being promoted among children.
“Tobacco and narcotics products such as marijuana are everywhere.
Small shops sell cigarettes and other tobacco products for all age groups.” Strict legislation is needed, he said.
Akila Radhakrishnan, Social Policy Specialist, UNICEF (TN), said: “During a pandemic, we did e-consortium, the webinar series where the topic was discussed with a government school teacher.
We are preparing a policy advocacy report on the planning of the teenage response, where the problem This will be a part.
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