BARAMULLA: Civil Defence Baramulla on Friday organised an awareness programme at Eagle English Medium Public High School, Bomai, focusing on the impact of harmful parenting practices on children’s emotional well-being and the growing risks of substance abuse and social media addiction.
The programme was held in collaboration with the Dagger Division Baramulla and the Youth Building and Peace Foundation Trust (YBPF), Bomai. It was attended by students, teachers, community representatives, religious leaders, Civil Defence and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel, and members of civil society.
Speakers highlighted the importance of recognising emotional distress and behavioural problems among children and adolescents at an early stage and called for greater cooperation between families, schools and community institutions.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Warden of Civil Defence Baramulla Dr Anayat Mir said toxic parenting should be understood as persistent patterns of behaviour that may adversely affect a child’s emotional security, confidence and psychological development. He cited emotional neglect, excessive criticism, favouritism, manipulation, humiliation and unrealistic expectations among behaviours that could negatively impact children’s well-being.
Dr Mir said repeated rejection, neglect or excessive control could affect a young person’s self-esteem, emotional regulation and ability to cope with challenges. He noted that such vulnerabilities might contribute to unhealthy coping mechanisms, including excessive social media use, risk-taking behaviour and substance experimentation.
Participants were also sensitised to potential warning signs of emotional distress and addiction-related problems, including social withdrawal, irritability, declining academic performance, disturbed sleep patterns, secrecy, compulsive social media use and association with risky peer groups.
Speakers urged parents and teachers to respond to such changes through communication, support and timely intervention rather than punishment alone.
The programme also discussed ethical and religious perspectives on parenting, with speakers emphasising values such as compassion, justice, responsibility and protection of children.
The organisers stressed that preventing substance abuse and behavioural addictions requires a collective effort involving families, educational institutions, religious organisations, community groups and public safety agencies.
The event concluded with a call for greater community participation in promoting emotional resilience, healthy parent-child relationships and awareness of addiction-related risks among young people.
Civil Defence Baramulla said it would continue to organise awareness programmes aimed at youth through education, community engagement and institutional collaboration.
