The Western Cape Department of Social Development is moving its fight against youth drug abuse online, including a counselling service on Mxit.
The department’s digital substance abuse campaign will be launched today and will also make use of social media channels Facebook and Twitter to reach young people between the ages of 10 and 24.
Promoted posts on social media and banners and messages on Mxit and BBM will warn youngsters of the dangers of substance abuse, and urge them to partner with the department and “take back control”, the department said.
Each of the channels will give users the opportunity to click through for further information or direct them to the toll free number 0800 220 250.
Through the Mxit component of the campaign, young people will be able to access online counselling by using their cellphones.
According to the department, research shows children in the province start forming risk-taking behaviours between the ages of 10 and 14, and unhealthy coping strategies – including substance abuse – are developed.
The campaign is informed by the Western Cape Youth Development Strategy, which was launched last year.
The department, through its three inpatient treatment centres, along with five funded facilities, have treated 740 people since April.
This figure includes adults, and children aged 13 to 18. Outpatient treatment was rendered to 1 717 people in the same period.
The top substances youth seek treatment for in the Western Cape are dagga, methamphetamine and heroin.
The department funds two organisations to run the Matrix Teen programme in Eerste River, Kuils River and Steenberg.
The outpatient treatment is a school-based pilot project with the capacity to reach 410 children a year. Based at schools, young people can access treatment with minimal disruption to their schoolwork.
“If we are to turn the tide and reduce the harm of drugs and alcohol abuse on our communities, then we must continue to work in a whole-of-society manner. It is up to us in government, the private sector, civil society and communities to build partnerships against drugs and drug-peddlers in our society,” said Social Development MEC Albert Fritz.