Protecting children from tobacco industry interference

Protecting children from tobacco industry interference

The theme of this year’s World no Tobacco Day campaign (31 May) is Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference. According to the World Health Organization, young people worldwide are urging governments to implement policies safeguarding them from the manipulative tactics of tobacco and associated industries. This includes curbing the incessant promotion of their hazardous products on social media and streaming platforms.

Tobacco use among young people is on the rise, with many starting during adolescence and continuing into adulthood due to nicotine addiction. Data from a Global Youth Tobacco Survey indicates an increasing trend in tobacco use among individuals aged 13- to 15-years worldwide.

Why do young people start smoking?

Several factors contribute to the initiation of tobacco use among young people. Adolescents often turn to tobacco to boost low self-esteem, manage stress, control body weight, or cope with negative emotions.

Additionally, the social acceptability of tobacco use in homes and public spaces, coupled with influence from parents, family members, and peers who smoke, contributes to its uptake among youths.

Role of tobacco advertising

Tobacco advertising and promotion play a significant role in enticing young people to start smoking. The tobacco industry strategically markets its products to potential smokers, using misleading messages and appealing imagery to create a positive association with tobacco use.

Through advertising in youth-oriented media and the design of attractive branding and packaging, tobacco companies target young people, associating smoking with vitality, sports, sophistication, friendship, independence, and beauty.

Health consequences

The health consequences of tobacco use among young people are severe. Smoking negatively impacts physical fitness, lung function, and respiratory health, increasing the risk of lung cancer and other diseases later in life.

Furthermore, children exposed to second-hand smoke suffer from respiratory infections, asthma, and ear infections, as they absorb more toxins due to their smaller lungs. Many young individuals are exposed to second-hand smoke at home and in public spaces, posing significant health risks.

Beyond health effects, tobacco use can have detrimental socio-economic impacts on young people. Families with adults who smoke may allocate fewer resources to essential needs like food, healthcare, clothing, and education, compromising the well-being and future prospects of their children.

Additionally, many youths from lowincome families are employed in the tobacco industry, exposing them to health risks associated with nicotine poisoning and exposure to harmful agrochemicals, thus impeding their rights to health, education, and social development.

Conclusion

The increasing trend of tobacco use among young people is alarming, with many starting during adolescence and continuing into adulthood due to nicotine addiction. Factors like low self-esteem, stress management, and social acceptability contribute to tobacco initiation.

Tobacco advertising plays a significant role in enticing young people to start smoking, using misleading messages and attractive imagery. Addressing this issue requires strict regulation of tobacco advertising and promotion, along with measures to protect children from secondhand smoke.  SF