Child Development Experts Urge Focus on Social Skills to Prevent Drug Abuse
A free drug abuse prevention consultation meeting was organized by Prothom Alo Trust on June 25, 2026, at their office to mark International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The 178th online consultation meeting featured renowned child and adolescent psychiatrist Professor Dr. Helal Ahmed, who provided expert advice. The theme for this year's event was 'Global Drug Problem: Ongoing Crisis, New Challenges, and Innovative Outcomes.'
Dr. Ahmed emphasized that while law enforcement, teachers, doctors, and aware citizens all play roles in drug prevention, the primary concern often lies with teenagers who may struggle to differentiate right from wrong. He stated that law enforcement and policymakers are crucial for supply reduction, while doctors are vital for harm reduction and treatment. Teachers also have a significant role in raising awareness. However, Dr. Ahmed highlighted that the most critical factor is the family's ability to foster a child's holistic development, rather than solely focusing on academic achievements like GPA-5. He clarified that 'bright development' refers to the growth of social skills, not just academic results. Families that successfully nurture a child's social and emotional development naturally reduce the likelihood of future drug use. By mentally engaging and scientifically educating families, the devastating epidemic of addiction can be significantly countered.
This discussion highlights the critical role of family in shaping a child's social development as a protective factor against drug addiction. While acknowledging the contributions of various societal institutions like law enforcement and healthcare, the expert reorients the primary responsibility towards fostering social competencies within the family unit. This perspective challenges a narrow focus on academic metrics, suggesting that a child's emotional and social well-being is a more potent defense against substance abuse. In the context of evolving societal pressures and the increasing complexity of adolescent challenges, this emphasis on foundational social skills development within families offers a sustainable, long-term strategy. It implicitly suggests that investing in parental education and support systems for nurturing these skills could yield significant public health benefits, potentially mitigating future addiction rates by addressing root causes rather than solely symptoms.
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