Child psychologist offers 4 science-backed tips to protect teens from addiction
A free anti-drug advice session organized by Prothom Alo Trust on June 25, 2026, addressed the theme 'Global Drug Problem: Ongoing Crisis, New Challenges, and Innovative Outcomes.' Child and adolescent psychiatrist Professor Dr. Helal Ahmed provided expert guidance to parents concerned about their teenagers' susceptibility to device or substance addiction. Dr. Ahmed outlined four science-based recommendations for parents navigating these challenges. Firstly, he advised against pressuring children with excessive academic targets like achieving a Golden GPA-5 or top marks in O and A Levels. He emphasized that academic results are not the sole measure of a child's intelligence or worth; social acceptance and the ability to connect with the world are more crucial indicators of balanced development. Secondly, parents should not fear technology but rather highlight its positive aspects and encourage its use for educational and creative pursuits. Thirdly, Dr. Ahmed suggested guiding children through decision-making rather than imposing choices. Allowing children to make small, everyday decisions, such as choosing between types of eggs for breakfast or footwear for school, fosters independent thinking and prevents them from being overly influenced by peers or social media. Finally, he stressed the importance of fostering self-reliance and explaining the reasoning behind rules. Parents should avoid making children dependent on them for tasks like homework or carrying school bags. Instead, they should explain the rationale behind prohibitions, rather than simply issuing directives, to help children understand why certain behaviors are detrimental.
This guidance from Dr. Helal Ahmed addresses the critical intersection of adolescent development, technology, and addiction. By advocating for a balanced approach that eschews academic pressure and embraces technology's positive potential, the advice aims to foster resilience. The emphasis on empowering children with decision-making skills and clear, reasoned explanations for rules promotes critical thinking and self-efficacy, key components in navigating complex social and digital environments. This framework aligns with developmental psychology principles that support autonomy and competence, potentially mitigating risks associated with external validation and peer influence in the digital age.
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