WHO Urges Global Action to Protect Young People: Ban Smoking and Vaping in Schools"

With alarming statistics indicating that nine out of ten smokers initiate tobacco use before the age of 18, the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a compelling call to action. WHO is urging countries around the world to implement stringent measures, including bans on smoking and vaping in schools, to safeguard the health and well-being of young people. In a bid to address this pressing issue, WHO has released two vital publications, "Freedom from Tobacco and Nicotine: Guide for Schools" and "Nicotine- and Tobacco-free School Toolkit."

WHO's call to action is rooted in the relentless efforts of the tobacco industry to target young individuals with tobacco and nicotine products. E-cigarettes, in particular, have witnessed a surge in use among adolescents, with an alarming nine out of ten smokers beginning their tobacco journey before reaching the age of 18. The report also highlights that the tobacco industry has made these products more accessible to young people by selling single-use cigarettes and e-cigarettes, often devoid of adequate health warnings.

In a noteworthy move, the United States regulators recently issued warnings to companies selling illegal e-cigarettes designed to appeal to youth. These products masquerade as school supplies, feature cartoon characters, and even resemble teddy bears. Such deceptive marketing tactics only serve to exacerbate the youth vaping epidemic.

Dr. Ruediger Krech, the Director of Health Promotion at WHO, emphasized the need to shield young people from the dangers of second-hand smoke and toxic e-cigarette emissions, as well as the advertisements promoting these harmful products. Whether students are in class, playing outdoors, or waiting for the school bus, WHO underscores the urgency of safeguarding their health and well-being.

To address this pressing issue, WHO has developed a comprehensive guide and toolkit to assist schools in creating nicotine- and tobacco-free campuses. This approach encompasses not only students but also teachers, staff, parents, and all stakeholders. The guide and toolkit provide step-by-step guidance on various aspects, including supporting students in quitting tobacco and nicotine use, launching educational campaigns, implementing policies, and enforcing them.

Implementing nicotine- and tobacco-free policies in schools offers a multitude of benefits. These policies help deter young individuals from starting to smoke, create healthier and more productive student bodies, protect youth from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke, reduce cigarette litter, and lower cleaning costs.

In a resounding call to action, WHO encourages all countries to make indoor public places entirely smoke-free in line with Article 8 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. This initiative underscores the critical need to protect the health and future of the world's youth by taking decisive steps to curb the influence of the tobacco industry and create safe and healthy educational environments. With these measures in place, countries can strive towards a smoke-free future, free from the perils of tobacco and nicotine addiction.