CJI: Substance Abuse Among Children Is Both a Public Health and Child Protection Issue
Justice Surya Kant calls for child sensitive rehabilitation and reintegration measures to protect the dignity and well being of youngsters affected by addiction.
PATNA, Sept 26: Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Saturday said substance abuse among children should be viewed not merely as a public health challenge but also as a serious child protection concern.
Addressing the Pataliputra Pragya Pravah lecture on ‘Childhood Beyond Drugs: Protection, Care and Reintegration’ at the Bihar Lok Bhavan, Justice Kant referred to a recent study published in The Lancet and said at least one in five teenagers in India were at moderate to high risk of substance abuse.
“Substance abuse among children must be understood not only as a matter of public health concern, but as a child protection issue as well,” the CJI said.
Justice Kant called for a child sensitive approach towards addiction, emphasising that responses must safeguard the physical and mental well being of young people while also protecting their dignity and self-worth.
He stressed that efforts to address substance abuse should extend beyond treatment and focus on helping affected children return to a stable and supportive environment.
“Restoration means creating conditions in which a child can again experience what childhood ought to provide education, relationship, play, trust, and the confidence of a future beyond the present difficulty,” he said.
The CJI’s remarks highlighted the importance of rehabilitation and reintegration in addressing substance abuse among children, with families, institutions and authorities playing a role in creating conditions that allow affected youngsters to rebuild their lives and reconnect with education and society.
