

Here is some advice on how to keep your children safe online: It explained that, in Snapchat, snaps were sent from suppliers to followers to advertise products for sale, with text accompanying the images to describe products and how to obtain them. Instagram was another site researchers found users were turning to buy drugs Snapchat efforts to root out drug how to# “Considering the popularity of apps and their potential to provide access to the wider commercial drug market, educating people of the possible risks of purchasing unknown substances from strangers on social media platforms is clearly both critical and urgent.” Speaking of her research, Dr Moyle, from Royal Holloway, said: “Whilst our results show that buying from a known and trusted person is still the preferred access method for most drug users, it seems likely that app-usage will continue to grow in this market, especially amongst young people. Steve Moffatt, policy manager at public health charity Addaction said: “There’s no doubt that social media has made it easier to buy drugs. "The risk is that people think it’s safer than buying drugs from a street dealer. The new drug that addicts are turning to because heroin isn't enough.This makes it really hard to safely manage how much to take.” Read More Related Articles In reality drugs are often mis-labelled and there’s no easy way to tell the purity of what you’re buying. Mr Moffatt said that, for parents, they would say the issue was less about where young people were getting drugs from and more about keeping the lines of communication open. "If you’re concerned, it’s a good idea to have small, regular chats about drugs to show you’re there to talk," he added.

"Don’t panic and remember that taking risks is pretty normal for lots of young people.” "You don’t have to be an expert but it’s good to have a bit of information about what the risks look like. (Image: SHARED CONTENT UNIT) The warning signs your child may be using drugsĪccording to SMART Recovery - an organization with a self-help program for people having problems with drinking and using drugs - there are several signs a child may be using illegal substances.ġ. They’ve shifted from introvert to extrovert (or vice versa). Seemingly permanent personality shifts might be the result of drug abuse.Ģ. They’re going through their finances at a faster rate. Whether it’s an allowance or from a part-time job, if your teen is looking for more disposable income but has nothing to show for their spending, it’s time to find out more.ģ. There’s an increase in drug references on social media. It’s very common for everyone, adults included, to exaggerate or even make up lifestyles to impress people on these platforms. However, if you’ve noticed an increase in drug references on your child’s social media, it’s time for a talk.Ĥ. They’ve become more secretive and protective of their space. Like personality shifts, this can certainly just be part of growing up. Krokodil: The truth about the drug that's been called 'the worst in the world'ĭr Moyle said she thought the key points that parents should make their children aware of in relation to purchasing drugs were the following.However, if your teen has turned overprotective, it’s a good idea to pay closer attention to their actions. The ability to see drugs through videos or photos does not provide any assurance of the quality or the safety of the substance. Snapchat efforts to root out drug how to#.
