Wendel Abel

Are we sitting on a time bomb? Perhaps, but you be the judge, consider these data.

Drug use

Drug use is a major problem. About 71 per cent of students in secondary schools admit to alcohol use, 30 per cent admit to cannabis use, 27 per cent admit to cigarette use and 2.5 per cent admit to cocaine use.

More emphasis needs to be placed on prevention programmes, targeting alcohol and cannabis use. We need to go beyond the teaching and preaching about drug use and to begin working with young people to understand some of the factors that lead to drug use such as low self-esteem, school underachievement, alienation from parents, family lacking in clear discipline, praise and positive relationships.

The non-evolved grandmother

The non-evolved grandmother is one who still assumes major child-rearing responsibilities and, as a result of this, is unable to evolve into her grandmotherly role.

These grandmothers, who continue to care for children, are at great risk for burn out and depression. Sometimes, they develop an ambivalent attitude towards their grandchildren and, whenever they are stressed out, may become intolerant and harsh in their methods of discipline.

The parental child

The parental child is that child, usually an older one, who has to assume caregiving responsibilities for his or her siblings. These children are often deprived of furthering their education and are at risk for burn out.

Shifting

Multiple shifting is a major problem as children are often shifted from one household to another. This poses major challenges to children as they adjust to new families, living arrangements and systems of discipline. This presents an increased risk for abuse.

Reminders to guidance counsellors

1. Conduct comprehensive evaluations. Every child suspected of facing difficulties should be given an opportunity to heal and improve. Ensure that a comprehensive evaluation is done and do appropriate referrals to competently trained professionals. Remember, 'man no dead, don't call him duppy'.

2. Be empathetic and confidential. The issue of confidentiality can sometimes be challenging in closed systems like schools. Every effort should be made to be confidential as children are sensitive to breaches in confidentiality and respond badly to any betrayal of trust.

3. Deal appropriately with substance use. The excessive preaching and teaching does not help.

Violence and abuse

Exposure of students to violence is a major concern. In a study done in 1998 by Grace Shaw, 80 per cent of students witnessed street violence, 60 per cent witnessed gang wars and 60 per cent witnessed gun shooting.

Children exposed to violence should be referred for trauma therapy and we should look out for signs of posttraumatic stress disorder. In addition to exposure to violence, many children experience physical, sexual, emotional and verbal abuse.

Psychological factors

Many young persons are from backgrounds characterised by poverty, unemployment and poor education. This leads to a cycle of hopelessness and helplessness leading to low self- esteem and high levels of frustration and aggression.

Tell-tale signs of trouble

Children who are experiencing undue stress, psychological problems or mental health issues may display a change in school performance, behavioural changes such as 'acting out' behaviour or conduct disorders. Other children may display regressive behaviour such as clinging and bed wetting. Any child displaying any marked change in behaviour or performance in school should be evaluated and referred for professional care.

The impact of migration

The Jamaican child is faced with a number of challenges. These include poor parental monitoring and the impact of migration. Many children whose parents migrate become depress.

We should not think that because a child's parent has migrated and he now has access to a barrel full of clothes that he should be happy. Children are affected whenever their parents separate or migrate and this is often traumatic for them.

Dr. Wendel Abel is a consultant psychiatrist and senior lecturer, University of the West Indies; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.