Samiti welcomes steps against drug abuse and digital addiction

The Bidar Nagarik Sanmarg Samiti (BNSS) and several civic organisations in the district have welcomed the steps announced in the State Budget to address the growing problems of drug addiction and digital addiction.

Samiti president Abdul Khadeer has, in a release here on Saturday, appreciated the State government for recognising these issues as serious social and public health concerns.

He noted that substance abuse and excessive digital use are increasingly affecting youth, students and families and said that the government’s initiative to tackle these problems has become necessary.

The organisations expressed concern over the rising availability and use of narcotic substances among young people, including synthetic drugs that are reportedly accessible even in smaller towns and rural areas. At the same time, they pointed to the rapid increase in digital addiction among children and adolescents due to excessive use of mobile phones, social media platforms and online gaming.

The organisations urged the State government to take strict action against the sale of narcotic substances and related illegal activities near schools, colleges and educational institutions. They also called for strong legal enforcement and widespread awareness campaigns to protect students.

Referring to a community survey conducted by college students in Bidar covering 825 households, the organisations said that the findings indicate a worrying trend.

The survey showed that 80% of parents support legal restrictions on social media use for children under 16, while 65% of children mainly use mobile phones for entertainment and gaming. As much as 48% of children are reported to have reduced outdoor activity and 42% experienced problems such as eye strain, headaches and sleep disturbances.

The survey also found that about 33% of families do not have any daily screen-free family interaction time.

The organisations emphasised that protecting young people from drug abuse and excessive digital use is crucial for safeguarding their future.

Also, the Samiti appealed to the State government to launch a comprehensive de-addiction campaign covering all districts.