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Estates' big drug problem

I REFER to Mr Clive Wong's letter on drug abuse (South China Morning Post, August 4).

Drug taking among juveniles in Hong Kong is a very serious problem, especially in New Territories housing estates.

Some young people take to drugs, because they feel they are being neglected by their parents.

If parents are aware that this is happening, they should try and show more concern for their son or daughter. They should talk more together, so they can arrive at a better understanding of what is wrong and can therefore help to solve the problems the young person is facing.

One way of helping is to encourage juveniles to take part in youth activities with their peers, so they can begin to realise how rewarding life can be. The Government should also be doing more to curb drug taking, trying to educate young people about the dangers of regular misuse of drugs.

There should be more police patrols on housing estates, to combat triad activities.

It is also important for film and rock stars to behave responsibly, as teenagers look up to them as role models. Such stars should promote a healthy image.

Moreover, schools should lay heavy emphasis on counselling work. A counselling team could look at the problems arising in a particular school and organise activities related to those problems.

ALICE WONG Fortress Hill

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