The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has raised alarm over the increasing trend of influencers and content creators promoting drug use on social media platforms. NACADA’s CEO, Dr. Anthony Omerikwa, expressed deep concern about the growing number of influencers normalising drug and substance abuse, warning that this disturbing trend threatens the fight against alcohol and drug abuse, particularly among vulnerable groups like children.

Highlights:

• NACADA calls out influencers and content creators for promoting drug use.
• The authority stresses the risk to children and other vulnerable groups.
• NACADA urges influencers to stop glamorizing substance abuse and warns of legal consequences.

Rising Concern Over Drug-Related Content

In a public statement, Dr. Omerikwa noted that the glorification of drug use in social media content aimed at young audiences is undermining the national fight against substance abuse. He emphasised that such content presents harmful behaviours as normal or even desirable, which can negatively influence impressionable viewers.

“The content directed at young audiences glorifies harmful behaviour and threatens to reverse the gains made in protecting vulnerable groups from the negative influences of drug and substance abuse,” Omerikwa stated.

He called on influencers and digital creators to recognise their influence on public behaviour, urging them to stop promoting substance abuse. “Promoting drug use is not just irresponsible; it is a violation of the law,” the NACADA CEO stressed.

Legal Implications

Dr. Omerikwa reminded the public that under the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act of 2010 and the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Control Act of 1994, promoting or advertising drug use is illegal. He warned that those found in violation would face serious legal consequences.

These laws prohibit any form of promotion or glamorization of drug use, and NACADA has vowed to work closely with law enforcement to ensure compliance.

Parents and Guardians Urged to Take Action

Beyond the influencers themselves, Dr. Omerikwa highlighted the critical role parents and guardians play in safeguarding children from harmful online content. He urged parents to monitor their children’s social media use and activate parental control settings to filter inappropriate content. “Many of these platforms lack adequate safeguards, so it is up to parents to educate their children about the dangers of drug use and report harmful content,” Omerikwa advised.

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Call to Social Media Platforms and Public

Dr. Omerikwa also called on social media platforms to uphold ethical standards and ensure that harmful content is flagged or removed. He reiterated that NACADA would continue its collaboration with law enforcement agencies to track down and penalize violators.

For any enquiries or to report content that promotes substance abuse, NACADA encourages the public to use its toll-free helpline at 1192.

This warning comes amid increasing concerns over the influence of social media on youth behaviour, with studies showing a rise in drug-related content among digital creators. NACADA’s message is a strong reminder that influencers must act responsibly, given their significant impact on public behaviour, particularly among the younger population.