When drug talk gets casual, CNB wants young people to speak up
CNB's new game show series Pop My POV equips youth to call out casual drug talk among peers.
Singapore's Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) has rolled out the Uninfluenced campaign, a second-year initiative aimed at encouraging open conversations among young people regarding drug use. Through an unscripted game show format, the campaign seeks to challenge casual drug talk and equip youth with practical tools to resist peer pressure.
The CNB's Pop My POV YouTube series, featuring influencers like Cavin Chua and Jayne Rajendran, tests how youth handle high-pressure social situations. Recent survey data reveals that drug abuse prevention is a top concern for Singaporean youth, with 78% willing to intervene on behalf of a friend at risk of drug use. Yet, 47% find it hard to refuse drugs in social settings, and only 54% believe their views can influence others.
CNB's 2025 findings indicate that nearly half of the over 1,165 new drug abusers arrested were under 30, with the youngest offender just 12 years old. The campaign's episodes delve into distinct scenarios, such as the impact of legalizing drugs, the importance of speaking up when a friend uses drugs, and the fear of social exclusion.
CNB Deputy Director Kaye Chow emphasizes the importance of recognizing permissive drug talk and practicing responses to navigate real-world peer pressure. The campaign's interactive activities, featuring characters Gut, Wit, Reason, and Empathy, encourage students to reflect on their influence and learn strategies to support friends.
Written by urgent.news from Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
