INHALANT ABUSE IN SCHOOLS (Preventive measures)

Mr Hwang Soo Jin asked the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education whether his Ministry is aware of the fact that some of our schoolchildren have been found to indulge in inhaling a certain type of rubber solution for its intoxicating effect and if he will instruct all school principals to take appropriate measures to prevent the spread of such dangerous indulgence.

The Minister of State of Education (Dr Tay Eng Soon) (for the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education): Mr Speaker, Sir, my Ministry is aware that school children have been found to indulge in inhalant abuse. However, the indulgence is not widespread and the situation is well under control. In fact, the number of abusers inhaling paint thinners and glues in Singapore is not significant. The Central Narcotics Bureau apprehended 24 cases in 1980 and 73 cases in 1981. The majority of the cases involved youth in the age group of 15-19. Out of the total of 97 cases, 16 who were on record as drug addicts were sent to the Drug Rehabilitation Centres, four who were National Servicemen were dealt with by the SAF and three who were students were referred to the Social Work Unit of my Ministry for counselling. The remaining 74 experimenters were warned on the dangers of abuse of inhalants and were released.

My Ministry is working closely with the Central Narcotics Bureau and principals have been instructed to be on the lookout for any cases of inhalant abuse in schools. Although there is little substantial evidence to show that inhalant abuse leads to physical dependence as is the case of the hard drugs, the grave dangers should still be pointed out to school students. Inhalant abuse can lead to total or partial amnesia. It is also known to impair vision and muscle control. Permanent damage to the nervous system, the brain, liver, kidneys and bone marrow have also been known to result from inhalant abuse.