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By Bianca Iboma-Emefu
Parents of primary and Junior Secondary School (JSS) pupils have been urged to step up supervision of their children as concerns mount over the exposure of younger school-age children to alcohol and hard drugs.
Adisa Risikat Adeola, Convener of the House of Rammah Foundation, said substance abuse was no longer confined to older teenagers and young adults, stressing that younger pupils must not be overlooked in efforts to tackle the problem.
“The rate at which our teenagers, young adults, and youths are secretly and openly abusing hard substances and alcohol is alarming,” she said.
Adeola urged parents to monitor their children’s friendships, behavioural changes and emotional well-being, while maintaining open communication to help them identify risks and seek support early.
She stressed that parental attention, affection and guidance were essential to helping children navigate peer pressure and other challenges.
“Show them love, care, attention, and affection. Do not assume they can handle everything on their own. Sometimes, what they need most is a listening ear, guidance, and emotional support,” she said.
Adeola called on parents, guardians and community leaders to work together to protect children, adding that stronger family support and early intervention were critical to preventing substance abuse among young people.
“Our children are our future. Let’s protect them, strengthen our families, and build safer communities,” she added.
