Forum: Collective effort remains the strongest defence against drugs
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We thank Ms Hew Yu Yue for her thoughtful letter, “ All have a part to play in countering drug abuse
As she pointed out, preventing similar deaths requires more than enforcement alone. Safeguarding our society from the scourge of drugs must be a collective effort, with parents, families, educators, counsellors and peers coming together to form a protective and supportive ecosystem.
The DrugFreeSG Office in the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) supports the work of the Inter-Ministry Committee (IMC) on Drug Prevention for Youths by coordinating efforts across ministries and agencies in charge of education, social and family development, community, and health, to prevent drug abuse among the young
One of the key initiatives of the IMC is the Drug Victims Remembrance Day, held on the third Friday of May each year to remind everyone of the harm, hurt and trauma suffered by the families and loved ones of drug abusers, and not just the abusers themselves.
Each year, CNB and the Ministry of Education develop resources for teachers to use in facilitating classroom discussions on the realities and dangers of drug abuse. Parents are also encouraged to reinforce these messages by continuing the conversation at home using resources made available via Parents Gateway, parents’ seminars, and on the CNB website
By complementing firm laws with prevention, early intervention, rehabilitation and aftercare, we can better protect our loved ones and strengthen the resilience of young people against drugs.
A collective effort remains our strongest defence for a drug-free Singapore.
Audrey Ang
Director, Communications Division
Central Narcotics Bureau
