Online Reporter
Lucia Ponde Mutsvedu
Correspondent
The fight against drug and substance abuse among Zimbabwe’s youth cannot be won by individual willpower alone.
While personal determination and the courage to resist peer pressure are important, the role of parents, guardians and primary caregivers remains key and therefore cannot be overemphasised.
Although drug and substance abuse is not a new phenomenon in Zimbabwe, recent trends suggest that the situation is worsening. The rapid growth of digital technologies has not only increased access to substances but also amplified their visibility.
Social media platforms often portray substance use as fashionable, bold, and socially rewarding, creating a dangerous illusion for young people seeking identity and belonging. In such an environment, choosing to stand apart and resist harmful influences has become increasingly difficult.
In many African contexts, a child is viewed as an extension of the family’s aspirations. While this can be a source of motivation, it can also intensify pressure.
When young people feel they are falling short, they may turn to substances as a coping mechanism. At this critical point, the presence or absence of a strong support system becomes decisive.
Parents and guardians form the first line of defence. Their role extends beyond providing basic needs; they are central to shaping behaviour, values, and resilience.
A supportive home environment can act as a protective buffer against negative influences, while a lack of guidance can leave young people vulnerable.
Recognising this, Safety n Us has introduced a programme titled “Parenting in the 21st Century”. This initiative seeks to empower parents and guardians with practical skills tailored to the realities of the digital age. It positions them as first responders to the challenges faced by young people, equipping them with tools to engage, guide, and support effectively.
The programme emphasises the development of well-rounded parents who demonstrate empathy, understanding, and unconditional positive regard. These qualities help build trust and create a safe space where young people feel valued and heard. Parents are encouraged to be patient and compassionate, sharing in both the struggles and achievements of their children.
Among the key issues addressed are declining self-control among youth, weakened social bonds, and reduced attachment to positive community values. These factors often erode the informal systems that traditionally guided behaviour. Through training and personal development, parents are empowered not only to monitor but also to mentor challenging harmful narratives and reinforcing positive ones.
Practical strategies promoted by the programme include consistent parental presence, open communication, and active involvement in young people’s lives. Parents are encouraged to “keep showing up” to remain available, attentive, and engaged. By supporting their children’s dreams and walking alongside them through both success and disappointment, they create an environment where young people can openly share their fears and challenges.
Such an environment also helps normalise help-seeking behaviour, reducing the stigma often associated with vulnerability. When young people feel supported, they are less likely to turn to substances as an escape.
Strengthening these family-based safety nets is critical. When the home environment is stable and nurturing, there are fewer gaps through which young people can fall. In this way, communities can collectively widen the window of hope and create pathways for healthier choices.
In addition to its parenting initiatives, Safety n Us continues to provide technical support and psychosocial services, including counselling for both parents and young people. The organisation has also introduced a Boys Mentorship Programme, which focuses on addressing the often-overlooked needs of young males. This programme aims to develop resilient, responsible, and well-rounded young men who are equipped to navigate modern challenges.
Ultimately, addressing drug and substance abuse requires a collective effort. While policies and enforcement are important, sustainable change begins at home. By equipping parents, strengthening families, and fostering open communication, Zimbabwe can take meaningful steps towards protecting its youth.
Widening the window of hope is not an abstract idea it is a practical, achievable goal. It begins with recognising that every young person needs a strong support system and a safe space to grow. When families are empowered, communities are strengthened, and the future becomes more secure.
We cannot build resilient children without first building responsive and present parents. The fight against drug abuse does not begin on the streets — it begins in our homes, in our conversations, and in our willingness to truly see and hear our children.
Lucia Ponde Mutsvedu is the director of Safety n Us
