Bomai, Baramulla ,18 Sept (KNS) : An awareness programme on “Toxic Parenting, Emotional and Behavioural Vulnerabilities, and Pathways to Substance and Social Media Addiction” was organised at Eagle English Medium Public High School, Bomai, on Friday by Civil Defence Baramulla, in collaboration with Dagger Division Baramulla and Youth Building and Peace Foundation Trust (YBPF), Bomai.

The programme brought together teachers, students, community representatives, religious leaders, Civil Defence and SDRF personnel, representatives of educational institutions and members of Civil Society Bomai. M. War, Principal, Eagle English Medium Public High School, Bomai, welcomed the gathering and appreciated the initiative aimed at strengthening awareness and resilience among young people.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Anayat Mir, Chief Warden, Civil Defence Baramulla, explained that toxic parenting refers to persistent patterns of behaviour that may undermine a child's emotional security, dignity, confidence and psychological development, rather than occasional parental mistakes.

He highlighted harmful patterns including emotional abuse, excessive criticism, favouritism, emotional neglect, manipulation, unjustified control, physical intimidation, conditional affection, unrealistic expectations and humiliation.

Dr Mir emphasised that the objective is not to label parents, but to recognise harmful behavioural patterns early and understand their possible impact on children and adolescents.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

He explained that repeated rejection, humiliation, neglect or excessive control may affect self-worth, emotional regulation, trust and coping. In vulnerable individuals, this may increase reliance on maladaptive coping mechanisms such as excessive social-media use, peer dependency, risk-taking and experimentation with substances, potentially progressing to problematic or addictive behaviour.

Teachers and parents were encouraged to recognise warning signs such as sudden behavioural changes, social withdrawal, irritability, declining academic performance, sleep disturbance, secrecy, loss of interest, compulsive social-media use, family conflict and risky peer associations.

The programme also highlighted the Islamic ethical principles of mercy, justice, dignity, protection and parental responsibility, describing parenting as an amanah (trust) involving care, protection, education, emotional support and moral development.

The programme concluded with an appeal for a whole-of-community approach involving parents, teachers, religious leaders, youth organisations, Civil Defence, SDRF and community institutions to strengthen emotional resilience and prevent substance and behavioural addiction among young people.

Civil Defence Baramulla reiterated its commitment to youth-focused preventive interventions through education, awareness and coordinated community participation.(KNS)