The Effects of Drug Abuse on Children's Behavior as Perceived by the Community

Abstract. Drug abuse remains a persistent social problem that adversely affects users and vulnerable family members, especially children. Exposure to drug-affected family and community environments can influence children’s emotional, social, moral, and academic development. This study examined the perceived effects of drug abuse on children’s behavior in Barangay Poblacion, Getafe, Bohol, during the Academic Year 2025–2026. A descriptive-correlational design was used. Data were collected from 185 community residents selected through stratified random sampling using a validated, researcher-developed questionnaire. The instrument measured perceptions on drug abuse effects in terms of family environment, socioeconomic status, community and social environment, and parenting practices, as well as children’s social, emotional, moral, and academic behavior. Validity was established through expert review, while reliability testing yielded a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.89, indicating high internal consistency. Data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, weighted means, and Pearson Product-Moment Correlation. Findings revealed that respondents strongly agreed that drug abuse significantly affects children’s development, particularly in the family environment (WM=3.50), community and social environment (WM=3.45), parenting practices (WM=3.45), and socioeconomic status (WM=3.43). They also strongly agreed that it negatively influences children’s social behavior (WM=3.44), emotional behavior (WM=3.41), moral values (WM=3.41), and academic performance (WM=3.46). Correlation analysis showed a significant relationship between drug abuse and children’s behavioral outcomes (p < .05), leading to rejection of the null hypothesis. The study concludes that exposure to drug-related environments contributes to adverse child behavioral outcomes and underscores the need for strengthened family support, community interventions, school counseling, and anti-drug awareness programs. Keywords: Academic Performance; Children’s Behavior; Community Perception; Drug Abuse; Emotional Development