University of Child Health Sciences (UCHS) held its 11th webinar to coordinate with health experts to address the growing issue of the mental health problems and its consequences on the teenage by using vast amount of vaping to follow trends and drugs usage among the juveniles.
This webinar held with the partnership of Pakistan Pediatric Association (PPA) Lahore Chapter on the theme “Mental Health, vaping and Drugs: A Triple Threat Facing Today’s Adolescents.”
UCHS Vice Chancellor and PPA Pakistan President Prof. Masood Sadiq presided over the session. Prof. Tipu Sultan delivered the welcome remarks, while Dr Wajiha Rizwan moderated the event.
Speaking during the session, Dr Kaleem Malhi, secretary general of PPA Punjab, said schools, colleges, healthcare workers and parents must work together to support juvenile mental health.
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Key note speaker Prof. Ali Madeeh Hashmi said vaping and substance use often stem from emotional distress rather than isolated behavior. He stressed that prevention and recovery depend on understanding juvenile brain development and building strong support systems based on connection, belonging, structure and hope.
During the panel discussion, Prof. M. Khalid Masood called for competency based medical education, improved clinical training and standardized screening tools to improve early diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders in juveniles and teenagers.
Prof. M. Saleem Laghari advised parents and health professionals to watch for warning signs such as isolation, irritability and changes in sleep patterns. Prof. Nasir Rana highlighted a shortage of trained child psychiatrists and rehabilitation services and urged greater awareness in schools, among teachers and parents.
Dr Fatima Gohar of the NHS UK said early intervention and a whole system approach involving families, schools, health professionals and policymakers are essential to protect future generations.
Prof. Ali Burhan Mustafa said mental health disorders, vaping and drug use are closely linked and require integrated responses from medical, educational and community systems. The introduction of an Adolescent Mental Health Act, and stronger mental health workforce development. He also stressed responsible use of social media for awareness campaigns.
Prof. Sajid Maqbool emphasized positive parenting, open communication with juveniles, early detection by family physicians, and closer coordination between pediatricians and psychiatrists.
The session concluded with a vote of thanks from Prof. Tipu Sultan. Speakers agreed that protecting juvenile’s mental health requires early identification, stronger healthcare training, supportive families and schools, and evidence based public policy.
