Sinokubonga Nkala
THE festive season, often a time of joy and celebration, can also be a period of heightened risk for young people, particularly when it comes to drug and substance abuse.
As families gather and social events increase, it’s crucial for parents to remain vigilant and take proactive steps to protect their children from the dangers of substance misuse.
During the festive season, young people often have more free time, and peer pressure can lead them to engage in risky behaviours. During this time, young people often engage in various social gatherings, including popular “vuzu” parties.
While these parties can be a fun way to celebrate, they can also create environments where substance abuse, such as alcohol and drug use, becomes more prevalent.
Additionally, the availability of alcohol and other substances may increase, making it easier for young people to experiment.
Police are on record appealing to parents and community members to join forces and intervene in the organised “vuzu” parties held by school children during the holiday season. These parties are notorious for involving illicit behaviour.
“Parents are advised to be stricter with their school-going children and avoid unsupervised visits to the city centre. On such days, children gather for ‘vuzu’ parties where they engage in group sexual activities and consume drugs and alcohol,” recently warned Bulawayo provincial acting police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele.
“The children often congregate at Bulawayo Centre, Haddon and Sly, and the Vista before heading to the party location,” Asst Insp Msebele added.
The police have urged guardians to remain vigilant and not be deceived by the apparent legitimacy of these gatherings.
“The police will be deployed in full force, and every parent is urged to assist by dispersing and reporting any gatherings they encounter,” Asst Insp Msebele said.
To mitigate these risks, parents should maintain open and honest communication with their children.
By discussing the dangers of drug and substance abuse, parents can help their children make informed decisions. It’s important to establish clear expectations and boundaries, and to reinforce the consequences of engaging in risky behaviour.
Parents should also monitor their children’s activities and whereabouts, especially during the festive season.
Knowing their friends, their social plans, and their online activities can provide valuable insights into their behaviour.
It’s essential to create a safe and supportive home environment where children feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings.
By taking these proactive measures, parents can help protect their children from the dangers of drug and substance abuse and ensure that the festive season remains a time of joy and celebration for the entire family.
In addition to parental guidance, community involvement is crucial in addressing the issue of substance abuse among young people.
Schools, community organisations, and religious institutions can play a vital role in educating young people about the dangers of drugs and alcohol.
By organising workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns, these organisations can empower young people to make healthy choices.
Ultimately, preventing drug and substance abuse requires a collaborative effort from parents, educators, community leaders, and policymakers. By working together, we can create a safer and healthier environment for our young people.
