Anti-drug push gathers pace amid rising concern over youngsters’ experimentation with tobacco, alcohol, inhalants and drugsNew Delhi: The warning signs have been visible for some time. School counsellors speak of children as young as those in Class VI struggling with substance abuse, teachers recount instances of students experimenting with tobacco, alcohol, inhalants and drugs, and education authorities have responded with awareness campaigns, counselling programmes and student-led Prahari Clubs to prevent addiction before it takes root.The issue has now received renewed national attention with Prime Minister Narendra Modi launching the 100-week ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan’, urging young people to reject drugs. A nationwide survey conducted last year across schools in 10 Indian cities highlighted the growing concern over early substance use among adolescents. The AIIMS-Delhi-led study found that the average age at which students first experimented with drugs, smoking or alcohol was 12.9 years. The survey also found that one in seven school students had tried a psychoactive substance at least once.“I’ve counselled students in three different govt schools of Delhi, and substance abuse has been a common issue,” said Kadambari Katoch, a psychologist working with Delhi govt schools. According to Katoch, counsellors look for warning signs such as irritability, sudden behavioural changes, poor hygiene, shortened attention spans and bloodshot eyes. “We try to make them understand the repercussions and why substance use is harmful. But in some cases, children have seen the same behaviour at home and think it’s normal. Convincing them otherwise becomes difficult in such situations,” she said.Teachers say experimentation among adolescents is becoming increasingly varied. “Often driven by peer pressure, curiosity or a desire to escape academic stress or emotional issues, children may begin using these substances without fully understanding the consequences,” said the principal of a govt school in east Delhi. Recognising these patterns, Delhi schools have begun strengthening preventive measures with Prahari Clubs that aim to make the city drug-free by 2027. Functioning during zero periods, assemblies and parent-teacher meetings, the clubs seek to educate students about addiction while encouraging them to lead peer awareness activities. Parents are also being brought into discussions .An official from the women and children department also acknowledged that there is a need to nip it in the bud. “We hope to make youngsters aware about the impact of drugs on both mental and physical health through campaigns,” the official said.Alongside the clubs, counsellors and educators in several govt schools have designed specialised classroom modules . The curriculum also teaches practical coping strategies, encourages students to seek help for themselves or others, promotes empathy towards those struggling with addiction and guides them in developing personalised self-care toolkits.Universities, too, are no longer viewing substance abuse as an issue confined to schools. As students transition into higher education, where greater independence and new social environments can create fresh vulnerabilities, Delhi University has Nasha Mukti Prahari in place. It is a campus-wide initiative that relies on trained student volunteers to become the first line of support for their peers. “Under this, colleges run continuous awareness campaigns,” a university official said.
