Around 25% of teens in Qatar suffer from depression that pushes them away from their families and the society, studies have found.
The studies found further that such conditions could lead the affected teens to skip school and avoid even their homes, and begin hanging out with friends of bad behaviour, and may be end up in a criminal life and addiction.
The  Primary Health Care Corporation’s (PHCC) paediatrician Dr Ibrahim Abd-al-Al, shared the findings of the studies at one of the recently held lectures at the West Bay Health Centre to highlight behaviour disorders among students including those  due to sexual harassment that students may have suffered.
Two lectures were hosted by the health centre for around 20 schools’ social workers and nurses within the PHCC’s plan for activating the School’s Health Improvement Programme.
The main theme of the workshop co-organised by the Qatar Foundation For Child and Woman Protection, health centres and schools, was on ensuring the co-operation of all concerned national institutions to implement child care.
Dr Abd-al-Al emphasised that behaviour disorder cases represent a big percentage among students. The lack of attention, hyper-movement of teens and depression are clear evidence of it.
He maintained that an early diagnosis of such disorders by family members at home or by the social workers and nurses at school will definitely help in curing the child and prevent any further negative repercussions that might affect his future.
Dr Abd-al-Al emphasised that raising the awareness and education of families and specialists will protect the students.
Another lecturer, who also took part in the event was Qatar Foundation For Child and  Woman Protection psychologist Mirvat Salamah and a social worker Nadiyah Kafoud also participated in the event.
Salamah mentioned that a follow-up on the behaviour disorder cases that might severely affect the academic performance and the social behaviour of a child.
She said that direct observation of students was one of the essential methods in recognising behaviour disorders. She added that student exposed to any type of sexual harassment might lead to many psychological diseases for the child and dangerous deviance.