Here's how to keep children away from the dangers of smoking and drugs

Cigarettes and drugs among Indonesian adolescents

Every year, the number of cigarette and drug addicts in Indonesia continues to increase, especially among young people. Based on data from the Ministry of Health, it shows that the smoking prevalence rate increased from 27 percent in 1995 to 36.3 percent in 2013.

This means, if 20 years ago out of every 3 Indonesians 1 of whom was a smoker, today out of every 3 Indonesians, 2 of them are smokers.

Meanwhile, based on data from the National Narcotics Agency (BNN), the number of drug users in Indonesia until 2015 reached 5.9 million people. The results of a survey conducted by BNN also show that the prevalence rate of drug abuse in specific households - boarding or rented neighborhoods, in Indonesia is higher than in general households. So this indicates that drug abuse and trafficking have its own pockets in society.

Actually, the level of public knowledge about the dangers of drugs is quite good, it's just that the understanding of how drug prevention efforts are still low. Thus, there is a need for more maximal communication, education and information efforts in the aspect of strengthening topics or issues on how to effectively prevent the threat of the dangers of drugs. Of course this cannot be done only by one related agency, but must cooperate with all parties, especially parents.

How do parents keep their children away from cigarettes and drugs?

Parents have the most important role in providing early education regarding the dangers of drugs and cigarettes to the child. Here are some steps parents can take to keep their children away from smoking and drugs.

1. Establish communication from an early age about the dangers of smoking and drugs

The best thing parents can do to prevent drug, alcohol, and cigarette abuse in children is by communicating early on with the child. Starting when your child is 5 or 6 years old, talk with your little one about how these substances are harmful to children. Like explaining the effect on the body, psychology, and even his future.

2. Focus on the positive

Discuss with your child how to make responsible decisions without being influenced by peer behavior. In addition, you can do activities that focus on positive things for the child, such as:

Never miss an opportunity to praise your little one's achievements in order to build their self-esteem
Let your little one be actively involved in sports, clubs, and other activities that he likes
Don't forget to spend time with your child

3. Model good habits

The child's habits cannot be separated from the behavior of the parents who are often done at home. This is what makes children often imitate their parents' behavior because children see their parents as their figure. If you smoke, chances are that the child will have the opportunity to smoke too. The same is the case with consuming alcohol or drugs. Therefore, do positive habits for the child.

4. Apply house rules

Prohibiting children from using drugs, cigarettes or alcoholic beverages must be a family rule. The rules must be specific, consistent and reasonable.

For example, you have to explain the consequences of each family member for breaking the rules; what is the punishment, what is the scheme of execution, and the purpose of the punishment. In addition, don't forget to explain to the children if the rules that are made are fixed and apply anywhere and anytime.

5. Family harmony

The factors causing the abuse of drugs, alcohol and cigarettes among adolescents are the most common due to disharmonious families. Therefore, create a harmonious and loving family at home. So this makes the child not need to look for happiness outside the home - already getting an abundance of love and happiness from parents with a pleasant atmosphere at home.