If one were to ask parents about what they knew of recreational drugs that could be in circulation among their children, the answers would probably be cannabis, ecstasy, cocaine and heroin.

This is very true. These drugs are known to be in circulation in Malta, and very much part of the entertainment circuit. The harder drugs, heroin and cocaine in particular are very dangerous and addictive, and it is good for parents to always bear that in mind.

But what of the various new drugs that have hit the market? This line of thought has been sparked off by the recent seizure of 12-kilogrammes of khat at the airport.

This drug is used in herbal form and is a stimulant that seems to be akin to cocaine but not as strong. In fact, it is more like the coca leaf in its natural form.

But while researching this story, this newspaper came across so many other drugs that are in circulation in Europe and beyond. There is the highly destructive crystal meth, for example, that has become a source of much angst and anxiety in the United States. Single mums in particular seem vulnerable to this drug because it can be manufactured in one’s home.

The effects are disastrous and many stories have been in the press about children that have literally been abandoned in their own homes. There are other drugs such as LSD that parents, and for that matter kids, do not know enough about. Do Maltese parents even know of some of these drugs? There are also small batches of genetically modified substances that filter in from places like Amsterdam – again, do parents know of them?

What are we getting at?

If one does not have information, there are two ways in which to act. One of them is ignorance, and ignorance is bliss – or the other one which is hysteria due to rumour and lack of information.

Unfortunately, in today’s day and age, drugs are very readily available. It is evident, undercover police officers catch so many youngsters dealing drugs at parties – yet this is only the tip of the iceberg.

Parents need to be informed about various drugs and the effects they can have on their youngsters, as well as the tell tale signs that they might be on something.

To go back to the khat case, for example, only two people in the whole office building had heard of it, and even their recollections were hazy and based on what they saw on the Discovery Channel.

All the printed media published the actual story of the drug arrival, but they then did some research into what the drug does, where it originates as well as the negative effects it can have on the user.

This is all well and good, the role of the media is to inform the public. But perhaps it is about time that the various organisations that do deal with drugs revamp their information campaigns somewhat.

Drugs are here, and they are here to stay. New drugs are coming into Malta as well, this can be seen from looking at the various charges that have come up in court.

Perhaps it is time to put everything under the microscope and do more to allow people access to the information which is all important. Some might argue that if one wants to inform themselves on anything, they can use the internet.

But many parents in various strata of Maltese society do not have access to, or do not know how to use, it. An information campaign, or a revamp of its content is needed.