Beware, social media could be driving your children to drug abuse

Social Media [Courtesy]

Social media is inescapable in today’s world. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and multiple other platforms promote a constant connection with friends and family. But is there a link between social media and drug addiction? What about alcohol addiction, especially now that Covid-19 brought with it a proliferation of online alcohol-dispensing outlets?

It is probably not surprising that the largest group of people who use social media are those aged 13 to 17. Social media sites shape the lives of teens and young adults today. Many of them may find themselves subjected to a new type of peer pressure around drugs and alcohol on social media. When teens see peers in their network engaging in risky behaviour, it might persuade them to also participate in the drug and alcohol culture.