Ministry of Health announces: Addiction screening coming for 12-18 age group
A screening program for the 12-18 age group is being launched in schools across Turkey to ensure early detection of risks such as digital and substance addiction.
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The Ministry of Health has announced that risk assessments will be conducted in schools as a new measure against the rising risks of addiction among youth. Under the new practice, case detection will be carried out through scientifically validated surveys and questionnaires.
Minister of Health Kemal Memişoğlu stated that they would take new steps in the fight against addiction while answering questions from members of parliament at the commission investigating the drift of children into crime at the Grand National Assembly of Turkey.
Memişoğlu said, "Turkey's healthcare system is cited as a global model in terms of accessibility. We are planning a screening in schools for youth, particularly in the 12-18 age range, regarding tobacco, substance, and behavioral addictions. We will launch screening and counseling services in cooperation with our Ministry of National Education," adding that this program is the first step in comprehensive efforts that will continue.
Following claims in some media outlets that "drug testing will be conducted in schools," the Ministry of Health issued a statement. The official notification emphasized that the risks faced by youth regarding digital, tobacco, and other addictions will be evaluated through a screening program prepared to international standards with the contribution of academics. The statement noted, "This study is not a biological test; it is a preventive public health approach aimed at early detection of risks in youth through carefully structured, scientifically validated surveys and questionnaires."