As families across Jamaica prepare for the new academic year, the National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA) is encouraging parents and caregivers to add one more important item to their back-to-school preparation: time. 

While uniforms, books, shoes, lunch kits and other school supplies are essential, the NCDA is reminding parents that preparing a child for school should also include preparing to understand the issues they may face throughout the year.

Jamaican adolescents continue to be affected by varying issues including mental wellness, substance use, bullying, social media use, sleep and other behaviours that can influence their health and wellbeing.

The issues young people face may not always be visible at home. Stress, anxiety, depression, bullying, peer pressure and concerns about fitting in can affect how a student functions at school and at home. Exposure to alcohol, cannabis and other substances may also form part of the environment young people are navigating.

“These issues give us important insight into what some of our young people may be experiencing, but they must also move us to action,” shared Paulette Spencer-Smith, Executive Director of the NCDA. “Parents and caregivers may not always see the pressures their children are facing, so regular conversations, attentive listening and clear guidance are critical.”

The NCDA is also encouraging parents and caregivers to pay attention to other parts of their child’s daily routine, including sleep, screen time, friendships, eating habits and changes in mood or behaviour. A sudden shift in any of these areas may be an indication that a child needs additional support.

“Back-to-school preparation cannot stop at the uniform, books and other school supplies,” Mrs.

Spencer-Smith added.“Parents and caregivers must also make time to know their child’s world. Ask about their friends, what is happening online, how they are feeling and the choices they may be pressured to make. Those conversations can help parents identify concerns early and strengthen the support that young people need.”

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to take conversations beyond homework, grades and school performance. Asking open questions, listening without immediately judging or correcting and making regular check-ins part of everyday family life can help children feel more comfortable speaking when something is wrong.

Parents and caregivers should also have age-appropriate conversations about alcohol and other substances, set clear expectations and boundaries and help their children think through how they can respond to peer pressure.