WHO calls for ban on smoking, vaping in schools worldwide

GENEVA, CMC – The World Health Organization (WHO) Tuesday called for a ban on smoking and vaping in schools worldwide.

The WHO said that young people continue to be “relentlessly” targeted with tobacco and nicotine products and that the tobacco industry's approach has resulted in increased use of e-cigarettes, with nine out of 10 smokers starting before the age of 18 – and some as early as 11.

“Considering that children spend nearly one-third of their waking hours in school, and much of the peer pressure they encounter occurs within these educational environments, schools play a pivotal role,” WHO  said.

It said schools are in “a uniquely powerful position to play a major role in reducing the serious problem of smoking and other tobacco and nicotine use by kids”.

The WHO reported that there has been a rise in novel and emerging tobacco and nicotine products – including electronic cigarettes, noting that these products have been made more affordable for young people owing to the sale of single-use cigarettes and e-cigarettes, which also typically lack health warnings.

“If we don't take urgent action now, we risk seeing the next generation of tobacco and nicotine users recruited through tobacco industries' unethical practises,” said Dr Hans Henri Kluge, Regional Director for WHO European region.

The alert comes as the WHO released two new publications to coincide with the return to school of children in many countries, namely “Freedom from tobacco and nicotine: guide for schools and the “Nicotine and Tobacco-Free Schools Toolkit”.

The launch also coincided with a warning last month by regulators in the United States that companies must stop selling illegal e-cigarettes that appeal to youth by resembling school supplies, cartoon characters, and even teddy bears.

“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,” said Dr Ruediger Krech, WHO Director of Health Promotion.

“It is deeply concerning that the tobacco industry is still targeting young people and making vast profits, harming their health.”

The WHO said schools must be safe spaces for young people, where they are free from exposure to, or pressure to use nicotine products.

“Creating a smoke- and nicotine-free environment in school settings is fundamental to helping prevent young people from starting smoking”.

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