The Central Drug Authority recently released alarming statistics indicating that over 200 children were arrested for drug use or possession in the span of a year. What’s even more concerning is that some of these children were as young as 12 or 13 years old.
However, there is a ray of hope as almost half of these children arrested for drug-related crimes are benefiting from diversion programs. These programs, offered through the courts, aim to provide a more constructive pathway for wayward teens.
The National Drug Master Plan (NDMP) is a comprehensive policy that targets communities and substance users of all ages through social awareness campaigns and rehabilitation programs. The latest annual report revealed that cannabis was the most commonly used drug across all provinces, with methamphetamines being prevalent in the Western Cape and cocaine in Gauteng.
Each province has a designated CDA drug action committee, with the Department of Social Development agency overseeing the implementation of drug demand reduction programs. Standout figures show that the Western Cape treated 14,800 individuals for substance abuse, while KwaZulu-Natal engaged with 211,000 individuals seeking help for substance use disorders.
The focus on youth involvement in drug prevention efforts is crucial, as habits formed early can have lasting effects. Limpopo and Mpumalanga utilized sports and school safety committees to engage thousands of children in drug harm reduction initiatives.
Despite these efforts, 223 children aged 17 and under were arrested for drug-related crimes. Diversion programs play a key role in rehabilitating these young offenders, with 110 children benefitting from such programs in the last financial year. Wayne van Onselen, founder of Unchain Our Children, emphasized the importance of tailor-made programs to address each child’s specific needs.
Gender gaps in drug-related crimes are closing, with both boys and girls displaying poor behavior. Van Onselen stressed the importance of parental involvement in monitoring their children’s activities to prevent them from falling prey to drug abuse and human trafficking.
The prevalence of alcohol and cannabis use among youth remains a concern, with binge-drinking contributing to social issues like gender-based violence and underage drinking. The CDA highlighted the health risks associated with regular cannabis use, including mental health disorders and cognitive impairments.
In conclusion, while the statistics on children involved in drug-related crimes are troubling, the implementation of diversion programs and continued efforts to educate and engage youth in drug prevention initiatives are crucial steps towards a drug-free future for our children.
