1 in 7 Indian School Children Using Drugs, Early Age Addiction Rising

• A recent survey reveals 1 in 7 school-going children in major Indian cities use at least one substance like tobacco, alcohol, or cannabis.
• The study, conducted across 10 cities on 5,920 students under 14.7 years, found addiction starting at increasingly younger ages, even under 11.
• Key findings show 15.1% of students have used a substance, 10.3% in the last year, and 7.2% in the last month.
• Family influence (40% reported family members using substances) and peer pressure are identified as major factors contributing to early addiction.
• Experts emphasize the urgent need for targeted de-addiction programs for pre-teens and adolescents, along with family-based interventions and collaborative efforts.

Why It Matters: Alarming survey shows 1 in 7 children, some under 11, use drugs, needing urgent action.