DAR ES SALAAM: FOR many parents, one of the greatest fears is watching a child drift into harmful behaviour without knowing how to stop it.
As concerns over drug and substance abuse among young people continue to grow, experts say families remain the strongest line of defence in protecting children from risky behaviours.
Clinical Pharmacy in Oncology Resident at the University of Nairobi, Ms Happyness Lupamba, said parents and guardians are often the first people able to identify warning signs before experimentation develops into addiction.
The challenge has become increasingly urgent as young people face mounting pressures from peers, social media influences and changing lifestyles that can expose them to risky behaviours at an early age.
Drug control authorities have continued to raise concerns about substance abuse among young people, particularly involving cannabis, the misuse of prescription medicines and other harmful substances, highlighting the need for stronger prevention efforts at family and community levels.
Ms Lupamba said parents and guardians are uniquely positioned to identify warning signs and guide young people before experimentation develops into addiction.
“Most young people do not begin using drugs overnight, there are usually warning signs along the way. A child may suddenly become secretive, lose interest in school, change friends or begin withdrawing from family activities.
Parents who maintain close relationships with their children are more likely to notice these changes early,” she said.
She believes that many families underestimate the importance of communication.
“Children need safe spaces where they can speak openly without fear of judgement. When communication breaks down, young people often seek guidance elsewhere, and sometimes they receive advice from the wrong people,” she said.
Ms Lupamba said prevention should start long before a child encounters drugs.
“Parents should discuss the dangers of drugs honestly and regularly. Waiting until a problem has already developed is often too late. Young people need knowledge, guidance and emotional support from an early age.”
She added that parental involvement remains one of the strongest protective factors against substance abuse.
“When children feel valued, listened to and supported at home, they are less likely to seek acceptance through harmful behaviours.”
For many young people, the influence of family support becomes most apparent during difficult moments.
Ms Lupamba believes the solution begins with recognising that prevention is everyone’s responsibility, but families remain at the centre. “The family is where values are first taught, where behaviour is first shaped and where children first learn who they are,” she said.
“If we want to protect young people from drug abuse, we must strengthen families and equip parents with the knowledge and confidence to guide their children.”
Amani Humbert, a university student, said open communication with his parents helped him navigate peer pressure during his teenage years.
“I remember a time when some friends encouraged me to try substances at a social gathering,” he recalled.
“I was curious, but I also remembered the conversations I had with my parents. They had never threatened me or lectured me harshly. Instead, they explained the consequences and encouraged me to make responsible decisions.”
He believes many young people simply need someone willing to listen.
“Sometimes young people make mistakes because they feel misunderstood. When parents create trust, children become more comfortable sharing their challenges.”
Parents themselves acknowledge that raising children in today’s world requires more than simply setting rules.
Neema Swai, a mother of three, said she learned the importance of building trust as her children grew older.
“When my eldest son entered secondary school, I realised I could no longer rely on instructions alone,” she said.
“I had to become someone he could talk to freely. There were times when he came home worried about things happening at school or pressure from friends. Instead of immediately criticising him, I listened first.”
She believes that approach strengthened their relationship.
“Today, he shares many things with me because he knows I will listen. That trust allows me to guide him before small problems become serious.”
Similarly, Revocratus Mrema, a father of two teenagers, said parental presence matters more than many people realise.
“There was a period when work kept me away from home for long hours,” he said.
“I later realised that providing for my family financially was not enough. My children needed my time and attention as well.”
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He now makes a deliberate effort to spend quality time with his children.
“Simple conversations during meals or evenings together can reveal what is happening in a child’s life. Parents should not wait until a crisis occurs before becoming involved.”
Experts say families that combine love, discipline and open communication create environments where young people are more likely to make positive choices. However, they stress that families cannot shoulder the burden alone.
Schools, community organisations, religious leaders and government institutions all have important roles in promoting awareness and supporting prevention programmes. Strong partnerships between families and communities can help ensure that young people receive consistent guidance wherever they are.
“If we want to protect young people from drug abuse, we must strengthen families and equip parents with the knowledge and confidence to guide their children,” Ms Lupamba said.
Her message reflects a growing consensus among experts and parents alike that while schools and communities have important roles to play, the strongest protection against drug abuse often begins at home through trust, guidance and everyday conversations that help young people make responsible choices.