The National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA), is calling on communities to abandon outdated beliefs and embrace efforts to protect children’s mental health and well-being as they too experience the stress, trauma and anxiety associated with adults.

Speaking with The Gleaner following a recent event at Sir Clifford Campbell Primary School in Savanna-la-mar, Westmoreland, Nicola McIntyre, the National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA) Substance Misuse Prevention Officer for Westmoreland, emphasised the importance of early intervention and strong support systems for young people.

"Gone are the days when we used to adjust to the saying or the old adage that says children cannot undergo stress," she told The Gleaner, noting that adults should be alert to sudden changes in a child's behaviour, personality and social interactions.