DEC URGES PARENTS TO REGULARLY ENGAGE CHILDREN

PARENTS and teachers should improve relations with their children and ensure sufficient information is available on the dangers illicit drugs, the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has advised.

DEC Copperbelt regional commander Beatrice Mpande said parents and teachers should be able to exchange information on the dangers and effects of illicit drugs as well as psychotropic substances freely with the children. Teachers and parents, Ms Mpande noted, were key in the prevention of substance abuse among youths.

She was speaking in Chambishi, Kalulushi during an engagement on the International World Anti-Drug day. Ms Mpande said youths were more exposed to substance abuse as they struggled to handle peer pressure, hence guardians must be able to talk to them about such issues.

She said if youths were the future leaders then there was need to improve on exchange of information with them.

Parents, she said, should learn listening to the children, monitor and disseminate information on drug abuse.

''The message is clear, we need to enhance communication skills with our children and be able to listen to them and hear about their problems before the results of drug abuse and trafficking come up,'' she said.

She said DEC has since set out a strategic operational framework for the period 2018 to 2021 with a vision ‘A smart, value-centred Drug Enforcement Commission.’

She also said it was the mandate of DEC to identify and immobilise drug traffickers and their assets.

Ms Mpande explained that the vision had two areas of focus, the first being service of excellence aimed at satisfying clients and stakeholders while second one is operation excellence, which has to do with efficient and effective service delivery.

The two areas of focus, she said, would enable the commission administer the law in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and money laundering for a diverse and inclusive economy of the country. Ms Mpande said in executing its mission, the commission was committed to observing the values which included integrity, team work, professionalism, innovation, confidentiality and accountability.

Kalulushi District Commissioner Kenny Siasumo urged parents to create an open door policy and talk about issues with their children in order to help overcome illicit activities.

Mr Siasumo said in the past parents would talk and children listen only which made youths and children keep vital information to themselves on many matters of the nation including drug abuse.

He said parents must be able to talk to their children on what is happening around them such as the mushrooming of gangs attacking people, as a result of drug abuse, high intake of alcohol and psychotropic substances.