I would like to draw attention to an issue, which is not new or particular to our society: the abuse of alcohol and drugs amongst our youth. The facts are there: a lot of outlets sell alcohol to minors. Some nightclubs also allow minor teenagers in without checking their age.

As parents, we have got to do something and relate to our young folk to avoid them being put in difficult situations. Even if the problem has always existed with alcohol and drugs, it has taken threatening proportions for a few years.

We should simply sensitize against substance abuse: that is the abuse of alcohol and drugs amongst our youth and make a stand to stop selling alcohol to children. Juveniles or minor teenagers should not be allowed in a nightclub. And think of those who get killed in car accidents after a nightclub crawl. The shop owners that are implicated should be prosecuted.

But there is also an underlying educational problem. We cannot just put the blame on the authorities. We have great responsibility as parents. One cannot just get rid of this by telling one?s child: ?Here is Rs 500. Have fun!? without asking any responsible behaviour in return. It is also our duty to show the right example to our children. There is no easy answer to drug or alcohol addiction, especially when it concerns our children.

But if we can save one of them with a campaign or a change in our behaviour, this is a largely valuable battle. I am presently taking part in meetings with parents. The aim is also to plan our future campaign against the abuse of alcohol and drugs.

We need as many parents as possible to show that we are interested and prepared to do something positive towards fighting this problem, which is present in our community.