GENEVA: The World Health Organization (WHO) has unveiled two significant publications aimed at preserving the well-being of children as countries gear up for the back-to-school season.
These publications -- "Freedom from tobacco and nicotine: guide for schools" and the "Nicotine- and tobacco-free school toolkit" -- are pivotal resources to counter the relentless targeting of young people by the tobacco industry with nicotine and tobacco products.
This targeting has contributed to the alarming rise in e-cigarette use, with 9 out of 10 smokers initiating tobacco consumption before the age of 18. The availability of single-use cigarettes and e-cigarettes, often devoid of health warnings, has made these products more accessible to young individuals.
In the United States, regulatory authorities issued a stern warning last month to companies selling illegal e-cigarettes designed to appeal to youth, featuring designs resembling school supplies, cartoon characters, and even teddy bears.
Dr Ruediger Krech, Director of Health Promotion at the WHO, advises that whether within the classroom, engaging in outdoor activities, or waiting at the school bus stop, it is necessary to save young people from the hazards of second-hand smoke and the perils of toxic emissions from e-cigarettes, as well as the marketing efforts promoting these products.
The newly introduced guide and toolkit serve as comprehensive manuals, offering step-by-step guidance for educational institutions to establish nicotine- and tobacco-free campuses. This initiative adopts a holistic "whole of school" approach, involving educators, staff, students, parents, and other stakeholders.
The guide and toolkit encompass various topics, including supporting students in their efforts to quit tobacco use, educational campaigns, policy implementation, and enforcement strategies.
The guide outlines four key strategies for promoting a nicotine- and tobacco-free environment for young people: prohibiting the presence of nicotine and tobacco products on school premises, restricting the sale of nicotine and tobacco products in proximity to educational institutions, prohibiting both direct and indirect advertisements and promotional activities related to nicotine and tobacco products in the vicinity of schools and rejecting any form of sponsorship or collaboration with tobacco and nicotine industries.
The WHO publication also acknowledges countries worldwide that have effectively implemented policies supporting tobacco and nicotine-free campuses. Notable examples include India, Indonesia, Ireland, Kyrgyzstan, Morocco, Qatar, Syria, Saudi Arabia, and Ukraine.
Such policies not only deter young individuals from initiating smoking, but also cultivate a healthier and more productive student body, safeguarding youth from harmful chemicals present in second-hand smoke, reducing cigarette litter, and lowering maintenance costs.
In a bid to protect public health, the WHO urges all countries to adopt comprehensive indoor smoking bans in alignment with Article 8 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
