Child safeguarding: protecting children's health and development in Kenyan schools and community settings from substance use.

Substance use, especially alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, prescription medication and khat present a growing challenge among Kenyan children and adolescents. This trend threatens their physical, mental, social and emotional health; educational attainment and overall wellbeing. For instance, substance use has previously been linked to cases of school unrest, arson and indiscipline. To protect children’s health and development from this challenge, several approaches are important. Empowering children with life skills which mirror the values and foundations of social-emotional learning to build their peer resistance, decision making, coping, problem solving and resilience, social bonds and knowledge on the risks of substance use is an evidence-based approach. Unlocking creative and immersive alternatives: Children need to have access to positive activities that they can participate in, such as sports, arts, and clubs. This will help them to stay busy and avoid boredom, which can be a risk factor for substance use. Creating a supportive environment for children: Children need to feel loved and supported by their family, friends, and community. This will help them to resist peer pressure to use drugs and alcohol. School and community settings; Schools and community settings play an important role in protecting children from substance use. Schools can provide students with education about the risks of substance use and can offer them positive alternatives to substance use. Community settings can also provide children with positive activities and can help to create a supportive environment for them. SCAD has implemented substance use prevention programs that mirror these approaches. Presently, we are implementing Artbeat Unplugged which empowers children with life skills and opportunities to express themselves and build positive connections with peers; equips parents with positive parenting knowledge and tips to create warm and conducive home environments; strengthens the ability of school communities to adopt policies that prevent entry of substances; and advocates for comprehensive policies to limit availability and marketing of substances. We have learnt exciting lessons on children’s perception, understanding and commitment to addressing the problem; have built an alliance with a government agency for sustainability and unlocked the engagement of parents. And we see these building positive outcomes in the lives of children.