Insights from youth and counsellors
In January of this year, we published an article uncovering an unsettling truth: social media has become the main gateway to substance use among youth. The problem has continued to grow since then and Portage has continued to delve further into the subject.
This fall, we launched a series of video clips featuring young people undergoing therapy as well as counsellors who shared their experiences, observations and thoughts on online drug sales. Their testimonials are at times deeply affecting. They remind us that, behind the algorithms and screens, are human lives marked by vulnerability, the search for reference points…and sometimes, addiction.
“It’s like Uber Eats, only for drugs. You stay at home; they deliver.”
“I mostly got requests through Snapchat. Because I was young, I accepted everyone.”
“To be honest, I don’t think our parents realize just how much selling and using is happening online.”
These excerpts from our social media clips show just how commonplace online access to drugs has become. They will also be featured in our October 21st webinar Social Media and Illicit Drug Sales: One Click Away From Addiction that will focus on the issues at stake, possible courses of action and realities on the ground.
A Topical Issue
Since the beginning of the year, several news items and investigations have highlighted the danger of drugs sold online through seemingly innocuous social media pages. Platforms like Telegram, Snapchat and Instagram continue to be hijacked for the purpose of selling drugs, despite efforts to moderate social media.
At Portage, we’ve observed that most of the young people entering therapy have been exposed to online drug trafficking. And it’s no coincidence: social media platforms offer quick, discreet and uninterrupted access to sometimes lethal substances.
Quick, Discreet and Stylized Access
Social media offers 24/7 access, often anonymous, to potentially lethal substances. Sellers use stories, coded emojis and stylized posts to attract attention without raising suspicion. Conversations subsequently move to platforms with enhanced anonymity features like Telegram or WhatsApp.
“They sent me pictures of everything they had, sort of like a menu. You just had to choose, respond and wait for them to deliver. It was super quick and super easy. Too easy.”
A worrisome “new normal”
Young people do not always understand the risks of using substances purchased online, which include overdosing and consuming products laced with cutting agents or fentanyl. The online content is often seen as cool, trendy, even harmless. The normalization of online drug sales makes light of the dangers of using these substances and increases their accessibility.
“Sellers offer discounts and hold draws… it’s marketing, but for substances.”
According to the Canadian Student Alcohol and Drugs Survey, 2023–24,
- 1 out of 5 students had seen an offer to purchase drugs on social media.
- Cannabis remained the most widely used substance and was often purchased through online contacts.
- 22% of students had consumed alcohol in the previous 30 days, 15% had vaped and 12% had used cannabis.
Risk perception at issue
The Canadian Student Alcohol and Drugs Survey, (2023–2024) shows many youth, especially younger students as well as older high school students, minimize the dangers of substance use.
- 21% of students believed that smoking cannabis regularly posed little to no risk.
- 19% believed vaping cannabis posed little to no risk and 26% considered eating cannabis to be harmless.
- Grade 12 students were particularly likely to minimize the risks of cannabis, with 28% of them perceiving little to no risk in smoking cannabis and 36% perceiving no risk in eating cannabis.
- 17% of Grade 7 students perceived cannabis use as harmless.
The trivialization of substance use is not limited to cannabis:
- 14% of students believed the regular use of prescription drugs to get high posed little to no risk.
- 9% believed the use of prescription opioids to get high also posed little to no risk.
These figures emphasize the urgent need for open and informed communication with young people in order to correct false perceptions and prevent risky behaviours.
Breaking the silence: how to talk with your adolescent
Portage counsellors stress the importance of dialogue. Young people want to be able to talk without being judged, punished or ridiculed. Parents and adults should discuss the subject of drugs in a calm, open and compassionate manner.
“If parents discover their child was approached online, the most important thing they can do is keep the lines of communication open and maintain the bond of trust.” — Audrey Byrne
“If you attack your child, they will shut down. You have to approach the discussion with an open mind.”
In our webinar (in French only), we will look at concrete ways of promoting communication, setting limits and creating a reassuring environment for youth.
Don’t miss our webinar on October 21st
Join us for this opportunity to reflect on and discuss this taboo subject. Counsellors, young people and experts will be there to share their perspectives and suggest courses of action.
Watch our video clips on our social networks: TikTok, Instagram and Facebook
Reference:
https://portage.ca/en/social-media-and-illicit-drug-sales-one-click-away-from-addiction/
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