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Published on Jan 12, 2002 The Nation

So, what have you kiddies been up to the past year? A lot, we think, and present a special treat for the younger generation in this quick peek at last year's developments as well as a few of the social problems that will need special attention from the grownups of the future. We also give our own assessment of what's in and what's not.

Playing with tin cars - These miniature radio-controlled cars sell for only Bt300 but can be modified with all kinds of electronic components to make them cost up to Bt2,000. The Chinese-made cars appeared in Thailand only about four months ago but have already become a big hit with remote-control fanatics looking for a cheaper alternative to the pricey Tamiya models. Kids can be seen gathered at various places at set times to race these modest, yet addictive toys.

Verdict: Cool! Although adolescents can be seen playing well into the wee hours of the morning with these toys, they offer an insight into the world of electronics and are still economical enough not to be a threat to their parents' wallets.

Losing it - Teenagers continue to start having sex at a younger age than previous generations around the world, according to a survey by Durex, the condom company. However, in Thai teens are bucking the global trend. This year's survey found the average age at which Thais first had sex was 18.7.

Verdict: Cool! Warnings about the dangers of promiscuity have finally rubbed in and teens are becoming more cautious about having sex.

Surfing the Net - If your eight-year old is not already glued to the computer and browsing away on the Net with a mouse specially made for small hands, he's out of it. Young nerds can be seen everywhere working the mouse, typing adroitly on the keyboard, and surfing the Web. This may be the age when the offspring are leapfrogging their parents.

Verdict: Cool! Computing skills are extremely important today and anyone starting late on computers may have to spend a lifetime catching up.

Gambling on soccer - According to a survey by Chulalongkorn University's Political Economy Centre, 40 per cent of those wagering on football odds are between 15 and 22 years old, an age group which is normally not too active in gambling. Reasons for the growing popularity of illegal gambling among juveniles include easier access to information about the sport and love for the game.

Verdict: Uncool! Starting to bet at an early age could create a habit that could eventually lead to social and economic problems.

Smoking ya ba - Speed pills used to be rampant only at the high-school level, but now they have trickled down to elementary schools. Alarmed, the Ministry of Education has initiated projects to stop and prevent their spread. Some schools had to be shut down because of the prevalence of metamphetamines, a police source said.

Verdict: Uncool! Tighter controls and better education on the harmful effects of illicit drugs may be needed to counter this trend.

Selling sex - Awareness of child prostitution increased when Senator Chalerm Promlert was charged with having sex with minors. Improper values such as materialism and promiscuity, fuelled by the economic crisis, have prompted the underage to sell their bodies. Finding a child prostitute is apparently not that hard, at least for those looking.

Verdict: Uncool! Children need to be taught the importance of responsible sex as well as to respect themselves more. Materialism has to be cast away and replaced with high moral values.