Divorce and broken family structures are significant factors contributing to the rise of substance abuse among young adults, according to Consultant Inspector Jemesa Lave. He emphasized that the absence of fathers and instability within families heightens young people’s susceptibility to drug use.
Inspector Lave also noted an alarming trend where children, some as young as 14, are being exploited to sell drugs, highlighting that current laws do not hold adults accountable for involving minors in such illegal activities. He voiced concerns about children being introduced to drugs at an increasingly younger age.
Mereoni Taginadavui, a representative for Bua women, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the responsibility begins at home. “If parents fail to guide their children, we risk losing an entire generation to detrimental influences,” she stated. Taginadavui pointed out that modern challenges such as social media and peer pressure complicate parenting efforts aimed at instilling values.
She called for a collective effort involving parents, schools, and the community to provide vital guidance and mentorship for children. Furthermore, Taginadavui urged parents to lead by example and prompted authorities to enhance border security to curb the influx of drugs.
Addressing these issues head-on can help build a more resilient and mindful generation, offering hope for the future as communities work together to support their young people.