Let’s involve parents more in preventing drug use among young people in the municipality of Borger-Odoorn. That is the outcome of an extra council meeting that was held in Exloo this evening.
The council meeting was requested by Gemeentebelangen Borger-Odoorn, which had received signals from residents concerned about drug use in the municipality. A majority of the municipal council also had these concerns, as could previously be read in an article by RTV Drenthe.
Prior to the council meeting, the city council had received a closed briefing session from the police, GGD and Addiction Care North Netherlands. This showed that drug use in Borger-Odoorn is comparable to other municipalities; only alcohol consumption is higher in Borger-Odoorn.
Municipal interests Borger-Odoorn indicated that addiction is actually a step too far. “Do parents have enough influence?”, Gemeentebelangen group leader Eisso Kronenberg wondered.
Mayor Jan Seton agreed with that comment. “We must try to connect with the people who influence young people and we must show that as a municipality we do not find drug use normal and will never find it normal.”
Councilor Ankie van Tongeren (CDA) pointed out that the figures show that drug use is comparable to other years, but that every young person who has a drug problem is one too many. “If you are younger, a lot will be asked of you. We had no social media, a bucket list, a system with increasing student debts and binding study advice.”
She indicated that these are matters that the municipality cannot change, but she believes there is no need to passively watch. “We can ensure that young people are more confident. Information for parents is essential. We will continue to focus on this.”