There is a debate going on in which some people say that children with or without Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) should take the drug in order to have order in the classroom and allow children to be able to concentrate better. This debate is supported mainly by those with children in public schools or those that teach in public schools because the children can be very unruly. The teachers do not have the patience or the support to help them bring order to the classroom and so, if the ADHD drugs can do that for them, then they are likely to support it.
Those who are against the use of the drug on children who do not suffer from ADHD say that it supports stigma against the disease. There are many people including those in the medical profession who believe ADHD is a made-up disorder. If children without the disease are given the drug, then this will further support their claims. Instead, people should be trying to discipline their children and work towards creating a classroom environment that will encourage them to pay attention in class.
The fact that the long term effects of the ADHD drugs are unknown should be of concern to people who would want to medicate children without the disease with the drugs. Side effects of the drugs should also be of concern as they can trigger other problems later in life and so, drug abuse of it should not be encouraged. Having a clear understanding of the effects should be considered by any parent who may want to have their child prescribed ADHD drugs.
It is true that the drug leads to better academic results because the child is able to concentrate better in class, but in addition to this, the child will also develop better social relationships with their peers and grown-ups. Such positive results of the drug can allow the child to see themselves as a better person and when they stop taking the drug, the good behaviour may continue. It is up to each parent to decide what would be best for their child and it may be ADHD drugs.
