On February 25, the Committee was invited to participate in a very interesting event organized by the Parents’ Association of the Grammar School, held on the school premises and addressed to parents. The theme of the event was Addictions (drugs, alcohol, and smoking) and the negative effects of their use on the physical, mental, and spiritual health of children and adolescents.
Also invited to the event were the Cyprus National Addictions Authority (AAEK), the Cyprus Anti-Drug Squad (YKAN), the Cyprus Paediatric Society, and the organization RETO Cyprus.
The Committee was represented by its Chair, Dr. Stella Kanna-Michaelidou, who explained from a scientific perspective why children become addicted to drugs, alcohol, smoking, as well as to the use of electronic devices and social media, and the negative effects these have on the brain.
In addition, the Committee’s Scientific Associate, Elena Odysseos Iosif, presented the topic of New Tobacco Products (electronic cigarettes, IQOS, nicotine pouches, etc.), the use of which has dramatically increased among children, even from as young as 10 years old.
All participants agreed that the role of parents is crucial in protecting children and ensuring their proper physical, mental, and emotional health and development.
