In response to a news story here in Australia, a family in Darwin have been reported to welfare & child protection authorities - as three young girls (aged 13, 9 & 5 respectively) have apparently been allowed to drink alcohol and smoke pot. Yes, you've read it right, even the 5 year old girl is regularly smoking bongs!

A photo of this girl (albiet with her identity masked) appeared in newspapers across the country holding a bong and a lighter, and according to her neighbours seems to know how to properly smoke cones. Her neigbours also claim that the girl also chucks temper tantrums if she doesn't get her fix of weed!!!

But it's very concerning to see a person this young getting into drugs. While the 13 year old girl getting into drugs maybe understandable (after all, she is a teenager...), her 9 year old sister consuming alcohol & pot is a bit concerning, but especially so with the 5 year old.

I personally don't use illicit drugs, but look I don't take any offence to people say 18 years old, or older using pot... because they are more mature and can make their own choices. But a child who is still developing - it's gonna do them some serious damage to their development.

But the parents of this child are very irresponsible - most parents would not allow their children to do this, even those who use or have used drugs. Would you?