Volume : 12, Issue : 4, APR 2026

LIFE SKILLS EDUCATION AS A PREVENTIVE STRATEGY AGAINST MOBILE AND SUBSTANCE ADDICTION AMONG YOUTH

NELJEN A, DR. JADAB DUTTA, DR. DINACHANDRA SINGH CHINGAKHAM

Abstract

The increasing prevalence of mobile phone dependency and substance abuse among youth poses serious social, academic, and psychological challenges. This study examines the role of life skills education as a preventive strategy against these addictive behaviors, emphasizing the development of psychosocial competencies such as decision-making, problem-solving, emotional regulation, critical thinking and interpersonal communication. Using qualitative analysis of primary case studies and secondary literature, the study identifies peer pressure, psychological stress, curiosity, lack of coping skills, and digital exposure as key contributors to addiction. Findings indicate that structured life skills interventions through curriculum integration, experiential learning, peer mentoring, and community involvement effectively reduce mobile, gaming, and substance addiction while enhancing self-awareness, resilience, and responsible decision-making among adolescents and youth. The study highlights the importance of embedding culturally relevant life skills education in schools and higher education institutions as a proactive measure to promote mental well-being, academic performance, and holistic youth development.

Article : Download PDF

Cite This Article

IESRJ

International Educational Scientific Research Journal

E-ISSN: 2455-295X

International Indexed Journal | Multi-Disciplinary Refereed Research Journal

ISSN: 2455-295X

Peer-Reviewed Journal - Equivalent to UGC Approved Journal

Peer-Reviewed Journal

Article No : 2

Number of Downloads : 45

References

1. Botvin, G. J. (2000). Preventing drug abuse in schools: Social and competence enhancement approaches targeting individual-level etiologic factors. Prevention Science, 1(1), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1010034803189

2. Botvin, G. J., & Griffin, K. W. (2014). Life skills training: A cognitive-behavioral approach to substance abuse prevention. Current Opinion in Psychology, 5, 78–84. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2015.02.003

3. Jahanbin, I., Bazrafshan, M. R., Akbari, K., Rahmati, M., & Ghadakpour, S. (2017). The effect of life skills training on social communication of clients referring to drug abuse clinics. Jundishapur Journal of Chronic Disease Care, 6(4).

4. Moshki, M., Hassanzade, T., & Taymoori, P. (2014). Effect of life skills training on drug abuse preventive behaviors among university students. International journal of preventive medicine, 5(5), 577.

5. Pickett, C. M., et al. (2012). Life skills education and emotional regulation in adolescents: Preventing risk behaviors. Journal of Adolescence, 35(3), 675–684. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adolescence.2011.11.007

6. Piko B, (2001). Gender differences and Similarities in adolescents' ways of coping, The Psychological Record, Vol 51, pp 223-235.

7. Roy, P. K., Pydipalli, M., Trivedi, S., Rehman, W., & Thakkar, V. (2021). Life Skills Education: A coping strategy against substance abuse. International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health, 8(8), 4147-4148.

8. Roy, S., et al. (2021). Impact of life skills education on university students’ substance abuse prevention. Journal of Higher Education Research, 12(3), 45–59.

9. Sharma, N. K. (2016). Life skills-based interventions in Indian schools: Reducing digital dependency among adolescents. Indian Journal of Educational Research, 37(2), 45–56.

10. Singh, R. S., & Jain, P. K. (2019). Role of life skills education in building resilience and preventing addiction among youth. International Journal of Social Science Studies, 7(4), 112–120. https://doi.org/10.11114/ijsss.v7i4.4321

11. Singh, S., & Kaur, R. (2015). Emerging behavioral challenges among Indian adolescents: The role of life skills education. Journal of Youth Studies, 18(7), 897–912. https://doi.org/10.1080/13676261.2014.973805

12. Sussman, S., & Arnett, J. J. (2014). Emerging adulthood: Developmental period facilitative of substance use and behavioral addictions. Addictive Behaviors, 39(1), 20–28. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2013.09.002

13. Singh,D., & Kaur,J. (2015). Role of family in Developing Life-Skills and Psychological Hardiness among adolescents. International Journal of Life skillseducation,1(1),1018.

14. Velasco, M., et al. (2019). Life skills interventions in schools: Reducing risky behaviors and promoting self-esteem. Journal of School Health, 89(11), 897–906. https://doi.org/10.1111/josh.12819

15. Velasco, V., Griffin, K. W., Botvin,G. J., & Celata, C. (2019). Preventing adolescent substance abuse through the life skills training: A Cluster randomized controlled trail. BMC Psychology, 7(1), 1-10.

16. World Health Organization. (1997; updated 2003). Life skills education for children and adolescents in schools. WHO Press. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/life-skills-education

17. World Health Organization (1999), Partners in life skills education: Conclusions from a United Nations inter-agency meetings, Geneva: WHO.