GENEVA: The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a call on Tuesday for a worldwide ban on smoking and vaping in schools, emphasizing the relentless targeting of young people by the tobacco and nicotine industry. The UN health agency stressed the need to protect young individuals from exposure to these harmful substances, whether they are “sitting in class, playing games outside, or waiting at the school bus stop.”
According to WHO, the tobacco industry’s tactics have led to an increased use of e-cigarettes, with alarming statistics showing that nine out of 10 smokers initiate this habit before the age of 18, and some as young as 11.
As children spend nearly a third of their waking hours in school, WHO emphasizes the pivotal role educational institutions play in reducing the serious issue of smoking and other tobacco and nicotine use among kids. They are uniquely positioned to make a significant impact on this matter.
Surge in Tobacco and Nicotine Products
While smoking rates have declined among European teenagers, WHO reports a surge in novel and emerging tobacco and nicotine products, particularly electronic cigarettes. These products have become more affordable for young people due to the sale of single-use cigarettes and e-cigarettes, which often lack health warnings.
Dr. Hans Henri Kluge, Regional Director for WHO European Region, warns of the consequences if urgent action is not taken: “If we don’t take urgent action now, we risk seeing the next generation of tobacco and nicotine users recruited through tobacco industries’ unethical practices.”
To coincide with the return of children to school in many countries, WHO has released two publications: the “Freedom from tobacco and nicotine: guide for schools” and the “Nicotine and Tobacco-Free Schools Toolkit.”
Dr. Ruediger Krech, WHO Director of Health Promotion, emphasizes the importance of protecting young people: “Whether sitting in class, playing games outside, or waiting at the school bus stop, we must protect young people from deadly second-hand smoke and toxic e-cigarette emissions, as well as ads promoting these products.”
