Divorce and the breakdown of family structures are identified as key contributors to the increasing rates of substance abuse among young adults, according to Consultant Inspector Jemesa Lave. He highlighted that the lack of paternal figures and overall family instability can significantly raise young people’s vulnerability to drug use.
Inspector Lave raised a significant concern regarding the exploitation of minors, with some children as young as 14 being coerced into drug distribution. He pointed out that existing laws often fail to hold adults accountable who involve youth in these illicit activities, which intensifies the problem of early drug exposure among children.
Mereoni Taginadavui, a representative for Bua women, supported Lave’s assertions, stressing the critical role parents play in shaping their children’s lives. “If parents fail to guide their children, we risk losing an entire generation to detrimental influences,” she remarked. Taginadavui noted that contemporary challenges, such as the influence of social media and peer pressure, make it increasingly difficult for parents to instill essential values in their children.
She urged for a collaborative approach involving parents, educators, and the wider community to provide necessary guidance and mentorship. Moreover, Taginadavui called on parents to set a positive example and urged authorities to enhance border security measures as a way to reduce the influx of drugs into communities.
By confronting these challenges directly, there is potential to foster a more resilient and aware generation, instilling hope for a future where communities actively support and safeguard their youth.