LETTERS: THE drastic increase in schoolchildren who have turned to vaping has become a concerning trend, and several quarters have called for action to be taken to address vaping in schools .
As a society, it's our responsibility to address this issue with care, compassion, and understanding.
Vaping is not a harmless pastime. It poses serious health risks, especially for young individuals.
The chemicals in e-cigarettes can damage developing lungs, lead to addiction and have adverse long-term effects.
What is important is to engage the young in open, non-judgmental conversations, using real-life stories and visuals to illustrate the consequences of this habit.
We should consider counselling services. Trained professionals can help students understand the psychological factors driving their vaping habits and provide guidance on healthier coping mechanisms.
We should encourage peer support groups where students can share their experiences and struggles.
This creates a safe space for them to seek help from friends who may have overcome similar challenges.
We could promote extra-curricular activities and hobbies that can replace vaping, encourage students to explore their interests, such as sports, arts, or community service, as healthy alternatives to vaping.
It should be the responsibility of parents to educate their children on the harmful effects of vaping.
Teachers are overburdened with teaching, extra-curricular activities, examinations, and paper work.
Parents are acquainted with their children's personalities, needs and quirks. They can tailor their disciplinary approaches to suit each child.
This level of individualised guidance is hard to replicate in a school setting.
Parents have a greater ability to maintain discipline in their children's life. School teachers may come and go, but parents are a constant presence.
Consistent discipline helps children understand boundaries and expectations.
Parents have the advantage of building trust and open lines of communication with their children.
This trust enables children to confide in their parents and seek guidance when they make mistakes.
When parents take the lead in disciplining their children, it teaches kids to take responsibility for their actions.
They learn that their choices have consequences and that they must be accountable for their behaviour.
Of course, there should be collaboration between parents and teachers. They can work together to address behavioural issues, creating a unified approach that benefits the children.
Teachers and parents could work together to nurture responsible, respectful and well-rounded individuals.
TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE
Chairman
Alliance For A Safe Community
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times