New addiction now included in Confirmation abstinence pledge
The Confirmation pledge for young people in Ireland now includes vaping and smoking, alongside alcohol and drugs, due to rising addiction concerns.Summary
The Confirmation pledge for 12 and 13-year-olds in Ireland has been updated to explicitly include vaping and cigarette smoking, in addition to alcohol and illegal drugs. This change, initiated by the Irish Bishops’ Drugs Initiative (IBDI), aims to address growing addiction issues among young people. Bishop Michael Router emphasized the devastating impact of addiction on individuals, families, and communities, and the need for the Church to honestly address harmful social norms. The revised pledge reflects the significant increase in vaping among teenagers and seeks to promote healthier lifestyle choices. The IBDI also highlighted the dangers of cannabis-like substances found in vapes and edibles, warning of psychosis risks. The Confirmation pledge, rooted in the 19th-century temperance movement, will now be supported by classroom materials and podcasts for parents, outlining the dangers of these substances and their impact on developing brains. While the pledge is often taken privately, approximately 40,000 young people receive Confirmation annually across Ireland.
(Source：Extra.ie)
