Lecturer
Manee Thadabodin (far left) speaks to seminar participants about drug use
and peer pressure at local schools.
Manoon Makpol
The Pattaya Public Health and Environment Department will
host a youth camp offering basic mental health advice and drug prevention
tips Feb. 11-15 at the Royal Thai Navy base in Sattahip.
Speaking at a pre youth camp seminar held January 12 at
the Public Health Administration office in Soi Buakaow on youth drug use and
mental health, Director Wannaporn Chamchamrat said domestic problems are
leading to an increase in drug use among children and teenagers.
Frequent arguments and domestic violence have serious
mental health repercussions in teens, such as short tempers, excessive worry
and learning impairment, she said. It also has physical side effects, such
as homelessness and poverty.
With problems at home, Wannaporn said, teens often begin
using drugs at school, often in restrooms where they are away from watchful
eyes.
Lecturer Manee Thadabodin said schools also breed drug
use due to peer pressure. Manee added that parents and teachers need to work
together to eliminate factors leading to and facilitating drug use.
