Early warning signs

Unusual behaviour

Shutting doors of his/her room

Moving away to take phone calls from people unknown to you

Aggressive behaviour with parents and non-interaction with family members over a long period of time

Unusual demand for money

Coming home too late in the night

Smell of liquor on them

Watch out for new expensive gifts like mobile phones, watches, sunglasses or branded clothes that have no known source

Be watchful of new friends, especially if they are not the same age as the child, their frequency and time of visit

Discuss without admonishing the child

Listen to their conversations with their peers, without appearing suspicious

Gifting mobile phones or motorbikes to children must be linked to duty-bound promises

In case anything unusual is detected, consult a counsellor or psychologist