Substance abuse in children is child protection issue: India's top judge

Chief Justice Surya Kant on Saturday underscored that substance abuse among children demands recognition as a child protection issue, marking a shift in how the problem should be addressed nationally. Speaking at the Pataliputra Pragya Pravah lecture on 'Childhood Beyond Drugs: Protection, Care and Reintegration' at Bihar Lok Bhavan in Patna, the country's top judge highlighted the alarming scale of the crisis, citing research data showing that at least one in five teenagers in India face moderate to high risk of substance abuse.

The Chief Justice emphasised that tackling addiction in children requires a "child-sensitive response" that goes beyond conventional public health approaches. "Substance abuse among children must be understood not only as a matter of public health concern, but as a child protection issue as well," he said, stressing the importance of preserving a child's dignity and sense of self-worth throughout any intervention process.

Justice Kant advocated for a restorative approach that enables affected children to reclaim essential elements of childhood. He highlighted that restoration should create conditions allowing children access to education, meaningful relationships, play, trust, and confidence in their future prospects. The remarks reflect growing judicial attention to ensuring that responses to substance abuse among minors prioritise rehabilitation and reintegration rather than punitive measures.