Young children receiving drug and alcohol treatment

An investigation by the Press Association (PA) has found that hundreds of children under the age of ten are being referred for specialist treatment for alcohol and drug abuse. Data was collected from 140 authorities in England, Wales and Scotland.

In the UK, 15 local authorities have referred at least one young child for treatment in the last three years. One of the most worrying cases is that of a four-year-old child in South Ayrshire.

Experts believe that most children are using drugs and alcohol after witnessing their parents’ abuse. Not all referrals are for direct alcohol or drug abuse; in some cases the referrals are to protect children who are constantly exposed to their parents’ drink and drug abuse.

Drugs and alcohol are now covered in the new science curriculum and young children are made aware of the dangers of drinking and taking drugs. A government spokesman explained: “Both the old and the new curriculum are clear that all pupils should be taught about how drugs and other substances can be harmful to the human body. Teachers are also free to use their professional judgement to address any specific issues that meet the needs of their pupils through PSHE [personal, social, health and economic] education. We are working with the PSHE Association to help teachers talk about these issues with pupils in the most effective and sensitive way.”

In many cases peer pressure is thought to be a driving factor, although some children are just curious and wish to experiment. The only way to really combat this problem is through more responsible parenting.