YOUNG PEOPLE AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE

By Morapedi Sibeko

Substance use among minors in South Africa is becoming increasingly common. Recent research by the South African Anxiety and Depression Group (SADAG) indicates that children as young as eight years old are now affected. Factors such as peer pressure, the affordability of certain substances, and ease of access contribute to early exposure and substance use disorders (SUD).

Children who experience emotional mistreatment, unstable home environments, or family substance abuse are at a significantly higher risk for developing SUD-related issues. In homes with parental substance abuse, children may experience tension, anxiety, and emotional suppression, often feeling uncertain about essential needs such as stable housing, food, or schooling. Ms Nicole Rashid, a probation officer in Pretoria, notes that children from households marked by parental SUD often endure strained family relationships, leading to severe emotional and psychological impacts that destabilise their sense of security. Due to this lack of support, these children often struggle academically and are at risk of physical health problems and symptoms of depression.

The Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa (CHOC) has reported that substance-related content on social media has contributed to the rise in youth substance use. Social media platforms expose young people to substance use through direct and indirect messaging—images, videos, and user-generated challenges that often glorify it. Children may turn to social media for guidance or comfort when feeling isolated or unsupported, making them more vulnerable. This exposure can skew their perception, portraying substance use as a “cool” or acceptable form of escapism, which can reinforce unhealthy behaviours. Consequently, negative behaviours like lying, stealing, or even early substance use often arise as coping mechanisms for mental distress or insecurity, along with other issues such as eating disorders, behavioural problems, and difficulty forming trustworthy relationships.

Children in homes where SUD is prevalent face significant emotional, psychological, and social challenges, increasing their susceptibility to substance use. Without a strong support system, they frequently experience neglect, mistrust, and a misplaced sense of guilt over family issues, leading to academic struggles, stress, and mental health issues such as depression. Social media, which at times glamorises substance use as a solution to personal problems, compounds these vulnerabilities, drawing in already susceptible young individuals.

Addressing these complex issues requires a comprehensive approach that includes media literacy education, family support, and accessible therapy tailored to the specific needs of each child. This strategy aims to build resilience in young people, equipping them to make healthier choices and navigate challenging life situations.