Fourth- and fifth-grade students in one US school were caught smoking and inhaling candy. The children’s fake drugs of choice were Fun Dip, a flavored sugar powder, and Smarties, which can be crushed into a similar powdery consistency. The principal responded by sending a letter home to parents, warning that while the candy may not be real drugs, the inhaling behavior is inappropriate and won't be tolerated.
The trend began with students – both boys and girls – crushing Smarties and sucking them in, "creating a puff of smoke," the principal explained. Other kids were caught doing the same with Fun Dip. Parents were called, but the problem persisted.
While the behavior may be harmless, the bigger problem is that these kids are simulating a behavior that is harmful. This is why parents and other educators need to be aware.
No one is sure where the children first saw the behavior they were emulating – possibly on TV or at home – but it's a behavior that everyone should be concerned about. This serves as a good reminder for parents to talk to their kids early and often about the dangers of drugs and peer pressure. What may seem like harmless playground fun today could lead to much larger problems tomorrow.
If you or someone you love is misusing, abusing or addicted to drugs, call La Paloma at the toll-free number on our homepage. We are here 24 hours a day to answer any questions you have about addiction treatment, financing or insurance.
