By M. Shifan Mohamed | Executive Director
Introduction
From June to October 2026, Family Wellbeing Centre (FWC) focused on strengthening its approach to alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (ATOD) prevention through Social and Behaviour Change (SBC). The programme aims to prevent substance-related harm, empower young people, and strengthen family and community participation in building a drug-free society in Sri Lanka.
1. Community Awareness and Education
Proposed and illustrative activities for this reporting period include community awareness sessions on the health, social, and economic consequences of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use. Educational materials could address common misconceptions, peer influence, family wellbeing, and the importance of early prevention.
Community discussions could involve parents, community leaders, youth representatives, and civil society organisations to encourage collective responsibility for substance-use prevention.
2. Youth Engagement and Child Protection
Suggested activities include ATOD prevention awareness through child clubs, youth discussion groups, and life-skills education. Sessions could address decision-making, self-confidence, stress management, peer pressure, and communication skills.
Young people could also participate in developing peer-awareness messages, educational posters, and social media content promoting healthy choices and drug-free lifestyles.
3. Family-Based Prevention
Suggested family-focused interventions include parenting discussions, family communication exercises, and educational sessions on recognising risk factors associated with substance use.
These activities could encourage supportive relationships, positive role modelling, early identification of concerns, and appropriate referrals to qualified support services.
4. Digital Awareness and Social Behaviour Change
FWC could strengthen digital prevention communication through Facebook educational posts, awareness campaigns, and responsible discussions about alcohol and tobacco promotion in entertainment and social media.
Digital content could encourage critical media literacy and help young people recognise marketing techniques that normalise substance use.
5. Conclusion
FWC remains committed to promoting alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs prevention through SBCC, family engagement, youth empowerment, and community mobilisation. Continued collaboration and evidence-informed interventions can contribute to healthier families and a drug-free Sri Lanka.
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