CLICK BELOW TO REDISCOVER HUMANITY
A DECADE+ OF STORYTELLING POWERED BY THE BEST WRITERS ON THE PLANET

Why Do Kids Take Drugs?

Drugs impact children as young as ten or eleven years old. Due to the open Mexican border, Fentanyl pills are killing 300 people a day, including children. Parents should ask…Could my child take a Fentanyl pill by mistake? Why are young people using drugs instead of learning how to live healthy, productive lives?

What happened to the American family?

Drugs have been around for centuries. But why are children taking drugs today? As a mother, grandmother, and crime prevention specialist for 35 years, I’ve seen American values, attitudes, social isolation, and parenting skills change, increasing the drug epidemic.

Today, 18.4 million children are growing up without a biological father in the home, which can have a significant impact. One in four women are raising children in abusive relationships. In addition, some adults are “helicopter parents.” They don’t let children make mistakes, solve problems or suffer the consequences for bad behavior. They rescue and control a child’s life, which takes away their self-confidence, making them weak and dependent. These children can become anxious, depressed, vulnerable targets for bullies, or angry and violent.

The media and movies bombard children with images of beautiful people, sex, and violence. Sensitive children often suffer in silence as they struggle with self-image and how to fit in and be accepted.

Children lacking self-awareness don’t learn how to handle rejection or failure. They may focus on emotional pain and blame themselves. That reaction often leads to social isolation, anger, and depression. Or, a child may keep secrets or lie, as many adults don’t ask questions and listen.

Socially isolated youth can become bored and turn to “fake” friends on a computer who listen and care but can manipulate unsuspecting teens into taking sexual pictures, demanding money, or running away. Young people are committing suicide at an alarming rate. Children are growing up in a dangerous world, at home and outside the home.

WHAT CAN ADULTS DO?

Children need the self-confidence to speak up and say NO to “friends” who try to manipulate them into taking drugs, having sex, and tolerating abusive relationships. (Teen dating abuse affects 1 in 5 youth)

Parents can listen to children and share stories and activities. If youth understands they have the power to protect themselves, they will not become followers or bullies. A spiritually centered child will discover their inner power and not feel anxious, powerless, or escape into drugs. Children must learn to cope with life’s “slings and arrows!”

Children need three significant factors to help them take responsibility for their future.

1. A family who listens, cares, and supports each other. (A family can be a group of people who love and care for a child)

2. Every child needs to learn how to live by their inner strength and spirit to help them grow strong and resilient.

3. Children in various supportive networks learn how to develop healthy relationships.

Parents can give children the emotional support they need to stay on a healthy path which can be found with neighbors, sports teams, youth groups, and a religious group. Connected, self-aware children do not become socially isolated or turn to drugs to escape.

As children develop healthy values, they can pursue their dreams. American youth will no longer see the need to abuse drugs to feel good.

A parent’s reward will be responsible children with an excellent foundation to help them lead healthy, productive lives.

Stephanie L. Mann
Stephanie L. Mannhttps://safekidsnow.com/
Stephanie Mann co-authored, Alternative to Fear: Guidelines to Safer Neighborhoods,” which helped launch the national “Neighborhood Watch” Program. Within 2 1/2 years, involved residents in her community (17,500 residents) decreased crime 48%, WITHOUT a local police department. Mann worked as a community leader, neighborhood organizer, county coordinator, state consultant and authored, “Safe Homes, Safe Neighborhoods: Stopping Crime Where You Live” (Nolo Press 1993) In 2010, while working in Richmond CA, with “Mother’s Against Senseless Killings,” Mann saw people too scared to be involved or report crimes. She wrote, “The Adopt-A-Block Guidebook,” with an easy-to-follow guide for existing groups and “My first steps to a safe neighborhood” for citizens. These booklets give individuals and groups the tools to reach out and bring people together to help each other. Stephanie started a homeless men’s support group while working with “The Mary Ann Wright Foundation” in Oakland CA. She recognized the need to support children at an early age and wrote, “Street Safe Kids: 10 Step Guide for Teens and Adults” (which has been used in after-school programs) to help youth grow strong from within to develop self-esteem and stay centered. Book available on amazon.com The Safe Kids Now National website states, “Every child needs a healthy family and neighborhood to stay safe.” In partnership with the CARR Foundation, a binder, “Safe Neighborhoods: Access to a Healthy Community,” was created for city leaders to make neighborhoods safer for families and neighborhoods. Stephanie’s books strengthen families and can decrease the social isolation that fuels bullies, domestic violence, abuse, drugs, gangs, and other destructive behaviors.”

DO YOU HAVE THE "WRITE" STUFF? If you’re ready to share your wisdom of experience, we’re ready to share it with our massive global audience – by giving you the opportunity to become a published Contributor on our award-winning Site with (your own byline). And who knows? – it may be your first step in discovering your “hidden Hemmingway”. LEARN MORE HERE


CONVERSATIONS

  1. Great article. It’s true more now than ever the peer pressure for teens today. One has to be well balanced and have a good head on their shoulder and support system to get through the teen years without picking up that first drug. Kids have to be educated at a young age about drugs and be aware of the dangers these are real issues in the times today

TAKE STROLL INSIDE 360° NATION

TIME FOR A "JUST BE." MOMENT?

ENJOY OUR FREE EVENTS

BECAUSE WE'RE BETTER TOGETHER