Strengthening Child Welfare Committee (CWC) Members in Safeguarding Children from Tobacco and Substance Use in Bihar

Neha CWC member shared her son's aspirations to become Prime Minister to ban tobacco, shedding light on the need to strengthen tobacco control laws. Recommendations included raising the legal age for tobacco consumption to 21 and enforcing stricter regulations around educational facilities.

Sumit Prakash 

Chairperson ,CWC, Purnia , Bihar

Suneel& Sumit

The recent training workshop in the Nipccd Delhi Conference Hall on the Role of Child Welfare Committee (CWC) in addressing substance use among children in Bihar, organized by @NIPCCD_MWCD, witnessed a dynamic exchange of ideas and experiences. The blog highlights key discussions and notable moments during the event.

Diving into Current Initiatives: Led by Suneel Vatsyayan, a seasoned life coach and trainer, the Nada India Foundation workshop delved into the existing efforts undertaken by the CWC to address substance abuse among children. Participants shared both success stories and challenges encountered, underscoring the significance of documenting and drawing lessons from these experiences.

Collaborative Efforts and Effectiveness: Participants actively discussed collaborative efforts between the CWC and stakeholders, including law enforcement, NGOs, schools, and healthcare providers. The effectiveness of these collaborations in combating substance abuse among children was a focal point.

Enforcement and Rehabilitation Strategies: Strategies to reinforce enforcement measures against individuals supplying substances to children were explored. Additionally, the need for rehabilitation programs specifically designed for children affected by substance abuse was emphasized.

Addressing Alcohol Prohibition: Discussions extended to exploring policy changes for a more effective approach in dealing with substance abuse among children, particularly in the context of alcohol prohibition. Crucial policy recommendations were identified for future consideration.

Guidance from Experts: Noted life coach and trainer, Suneel Vatsyayan @VSUNEEL, provided valuable insights on systematic approaches to children's experiences, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and validating every child. The strength-based approach was discussed, encouraging participants to find new paths from past experiences.

Sharing Personal Experiences: CWC members shared their experiences, from rescuing minors during Sitamadhi riots to addressing challenges with children using the internet. Positive perspectives on interaction and understanding addiction as a chronic disease were highlighted.

Advocacy for Regulation and Control: Advocacy efforts were discussed to regulate drug consumption, considering it as a response to challenges faced during a child's upbringing. The need for strict regulations, sensitization programs, and preventive education in schools was emphasized.

Empowering CWC Members: CWC members were recognized as social workers with authority, capable of leading sensitization and preventive education programs in their respective districts. The importance of providing treatment facilities for children in the juvenile justice system, including those in Children Homes, was underscored.

Strengthening Tobacco Control Laws: Neha shared her son's aspirations to become Prime Minister to ban tobacco, shedding light on the need to strengthen tobacco control laws. Recommendations included raising the legal age for tobacco consumption to 21 and enforcing stricter regulations around educational facilities.

The workshop served as a platform for sharing knowledge, experiences, and advocating for positive change in addressing substance abuse among children. The commitment of CWC members to the well-being of young people in Bihar was evident, setting the stage for impactful interventions and collaborations in the future. #CWC #SubstanceAbuse #ChildWelfare #BiharHealth @TobaccoFreeIndia