The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has published a new policy statement in their journal that implicates TV Ads and child drug abuse. Children all too frequently watch TV and movies showing drug addiction and drug use. This presents a very opposite idea to saying "no" to drugs.
Narconon Freedom Center, a non-profit drug rehabilitation center, has seen the trouble with young adults and drug addiction. In fact, most of today's drug addicts are young adults who first started taking drugs as adolescents or in their teens. Narconon has often pointed out the connection between TV drug ads and the increase in teen drug abuse. Addiction to prescription drug has become the leading form of drug addiction according to the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy.
The American Academy of Pediatrics states that some 25 billion dollars is spent each year on drug advertising. The strong influence TV has on children is notorious to anyone who has children. Yet, despite the use of DVRs and being able to fast forward commercials, advertisers have gone a step further. The very best advertising is in the show or movie itself. Position a Hollywood celebrity with a type of clothing and you'll soon see youth wearing it. The same goes for drugs and alcohol, which are positioned favorably in almost every show or movie. Very seldom do they show the truth of the dire consequences stemming from drug use.
Pediatricians are advising parents to restrict TV time for youth. The AAP policy statement calls for a total ban on all tobacco advertising, restrictions on the advertising of alcoholic drinks, and a ban on erectile dysfunction drug ads before 10 pm.
Narconon agrees that implementing this strategy will go far in lessening youth exposure to such ads; however, movies can be rented and watched anytime. For this reason it is advisable to follow your pediatrician's advice and restrict TV watching of PG-13 and R-rated films.
Narconon also offers the popular booklet "10 Things Your Friends May Not Know About Drugs" and other drug education information to arm parents and teachers with the facts about drugs and drug abuse.
Narconon offers the most effective drug rehabilitation program in the world and is unique in that its program is totally drug-free, yet safe and effective and even provides a way for the addict to repair the damage to his body from drug abuse using a combination of proper nutrition and supplements that aid detoxification.
It is often overlooked that the youth of today will be our world leaders of tomorrow. It should be the responsibility of all adults who wish to have a better world in the future to support efforts to keep children drug free. Advertisers following AAP guidelines will go far in decreasing the number of addicts we will have to rehabilitate in the coming years.
If you would like more information on drug abuse or would like to find out more about the Narconon program contact Narconon Freedom Center at 877-394-1828.
