1.3 Discuss 5 effects of alcohol and drugs on children’s developmental domains (10 marks)
1. Physical Development: Alcohol and drug exposure during pregnancy can lead to physical developmental delays, such as low birth weight, motor skill impairments, and growth deficiencies. These substances can also impact a child's overall health and immune system, making them more vulnerable to illnesses and infections.
2. Cognitive Development: Alcohol and drug exposure can affect a child's cognitive development, leading to difficulties with attention, memory, problem-solving, and overall learning abilities. These substances can also hinder proper brain development and functioning, potentially impacting a child's academic performance and future success.
3. Emotional Development: Children exposed to alcohol and drugs may experience emotional challenges, including mood swings, anxiety, depression, and difficulty regulating their emotions. These substances can disrupt the development of healthy coping mechanisms and social skills, making it harder for children to form positive relationships with others.
4. Social Development: Alcohol and drug exposure can interfere with a child's social development, leading to difficulties with forming and maintaining relationships, as well as participating in social interactions. Children may struggle with communication skills, empathy, and understanding social cues, which can negatively impact their ability to navigate social situations and build supportive social networks.
5. Behavioral Development: Children exposed to alcohol and drugs may exhibit challenging behaviors, such as aggression, impulsivity, and defiance. These substances can disrupt the development of self-control, decision-making skills, and moral development, making it harder for children to follow rules, engage in positive behaviors, and make healthy choices. This can lead to disciplinary issues at home, school, and in the community, as well as potential involvement in substance abuse later in life.