Shillong, Aug 30: Although Meghalaya has not yet recorded any instances of drug abuse facilitated through the Dark Web, the State government deemed it crucial to sensitise teachers, parents, and stakeholders to this emerging threat.
The Social Welfare Department with the support of the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR), recently conducted a one-day workshop on the theme, “Digital Dangers: How Cyber Crime Fuels Drug Abuse”.
The programme was conducted in active collaboration with the Drug Reduction, Elimination & Action Mission (DREAM), Meghalaya Police (Cyber Crime Division), Dreamzware Software Solutions, Hyderabad and Kripa Foundation.
“Increasingly, young people are being introduced to drugs not on the streets, but through digital avenues such as social media, online gaming networks, messaging platforms, and even encrypted apps—often linked to wider illicit activities. These online spaces frequently circulate content that glamorises drug use, spreads misinformation, and provides unfiltered access to harmful communities. If left unchecked, they can quickly become breeding grounds for peer pressure, the glorification of drug culture, and even direct access to substances through illegal online channels,” DREAM said in a statement.
What further compounds this challenge is the profound psychological impact of the digital world. Constant comparison, cyber bullying, isolation, and digital addiction are driving many young people to seek refuge in substance use as a means of escape, it said.
Speakers at the workshop underscored the critical need to adopt strong cyber-protective tools such as antivirus software and security safeguards. They also urged participants to practice digital prudence and vigilance, so as to protect themselves and others from falling prey to cybercrimes such as phishing, digital arrest, and other emerging threats.
Deliberations during the workshop emphasised the importance of cultivating healthy digital hygiene practices—such as responsible online behaviour, awareness of cyber risks, and safe internet usage—which are essential in today’s interconnected world.
Social Welfare Director and Additional Mission Director of DREAM Camelia Doreen Lyngwa highlighted the State government’s steadfast commitment to developmental and welfare initiatives and also drew attention to the growing menace of drug abuse and its devastating impact on society.
She stressed the urgent need for a collaborative effort among all stakeholders, as the fight against drug abuse is not the sole responsibility of the government. She cautioned that if the menace of drugs is not addressed collectively at the earliest, there is a grave risk of losing an entire generation of youth.
