by Dennis Harter
dennish@isb.ac.th
As part of our partnership with parents in ensuring our students are safe, when we hear about choices or behaviors being made by students we share that information with you.
We have learned that some middle school students are going downtown to drink alcohol, “vape” and smoke shisha. Popular areas for the students include the Thong Lor area and Khao San Road. We’ve been told that some students may tell their parents they are having a “sleepover” or “going to the movies”, but instead heading into the city and finding bars that will serve them.
I am sharing this in the eNews for general awareness and for you to be vigilant with where your children are at night and on weekends. As we become aware of specific students, we speak with those parents directly. If you are concerned about this with your own child, please talk to them about your expectations. As a general rule, if your child is sleeping over at a friend’s house, you should speak with the parents to confirm this and that they will be home. Cite this post from the school, if that feels awkward.
Ultimately, like you, we care about the safety and well-being of your children. We share this information so that parents may use it as they wish and act in the best interests of their children. The risks are well-documented for adolescents consuming alcohol, vaping, or smoking (shisha is not safer than cigarette smoking). Young people are at much higher risk of addiction, the earlier they start. Additionally, there are inherent risks with middle school aged students going into the city and hanging out in bars and drinking areas with strangers also consuming alcohol.
These behaviors are representative of only a very small number of our middle school students. Overwhelmingly, most students are making healthy and safe choices. It is important, however, to provide everyone with information and concerns so that you can have good conversations with your children.