To enhance parents' awareness of the youth drug abuse problem, the Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN), the Narcotics Division (ND) of the Security Bureau and Radio 5 of Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK 5) have co-organised the Star Parents Programme 2016-17. Over 100 parents attended an anti-drug event under the programme today (February 21) to learn more about the harmful effects of drug abuse and pledged to help their children resist the temptation of drugs.

     Officiating at the event today, the Chairman of the ACAN, Dr Ben Cheung, said that methamphetamine ("ice") had surpassed ketamine as the most common type of psychotropic substance abused. "Ice" abuse can cause irreversible damage to the health of abusers which can include symptoms such as insomnia, agitation, panic and delirium, anxiety and tension, and hallucination. "Ice" abusers should seek help and treatment immediately. Dr Cheung encouraged parents to join the programme to equip themselves with increased knowledge of the drug problem and to strengthen the relationship with their children. He also called on parents to identify and help children with possible drug problem early.

     The Chairman of the ACAN Sub-committee on Preventive Education and Publicity, Dr Tik Chi-yuen, shared his views on effective parenting skills at the event. He said that it is common for youngsters to encounter difficulties and challenges when growing up. Good communication skills can foster closer parent-child relationships and enable parents to provide timely guidance and support to their children in the anti-drug cause.

     Also attending today's event, the Commissioner for Narcotics, Ms Manda Chan, stressed that family is the first line of defence for preventing youngsters from abusing drugs, and a caring family with parental support can strengthen youngsters' resolve in resisting drugs. If parents find that their children may have a drug problem, they can call the ND's 24-hour hotline 186 186 or send messages to 98 186 186 by WhatsApp or WeChat to seek assistance from professional social workers.

     In addition to today's event, other publicity initiatives of the programme include a 26-episode series of interviews broadcast on RTHK 5's radio programme "Stand by me". In the series, interviewees from different sectors will share their life experiences and provide anti-drug information. Moreover, an activity entitled Star Parents School Visit will be organised for parents to visit schools, experience school life and exchange views with experts to enhance their understanding of their children and improve their parenting skills.

     Other officiating guests at the event today included the Head of Chinese Programme Service of RTHK, Ms Dawn Tsang, and artistes Shek Sau, Hubert Wu and Hana Kuk.

     Details of the Star Parents Programme 2016-17 are available at the dedicated webpage.

Ends/Tuesday, February 21, 2017
Issued at HKT 17:33

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