In a bid to safeguard the health of young individuals worldwide, the World Health Organization (WHO) has unveiled two essential publications today: “Freedom from Tobacco and Nicotine: Guide for Schools” and the “Nicotine- and Tobacco-Free School Toolkit.” These resources come at a crucial time as numerous countries prepare to kickstart their school year.
The tobacco industry’s relentless targeting of young people with tobacco and nicotine products has resulted in a surge in e-cigarette usage, with a startling nine out of ten smokers initiating the habit before reaching the age of 18. The industry has even made these harmful products more accessible to youths through the sale of single-use cigarettes and e-cigarettes, often lacking necessary health warnings.
Just last month, regulators in the United States issued stern warnings to companies producing and marketing illegal e-cigarettes that blatantly appeal to the youth market by resembling common school supplies, featuring cartoon characters, or even teddy bear designs.
Dr. Ruediger Krech, the Director of Health Promotion at the World Health Organization, emphasized the urgency of protecting young people from the dangers of second-hand smoke, toxic e-cigarette emissions, and aggressive product advertisements. He stated, “Whether they are sitting in classrooms, playing outdoors, or waiting at the school bus stop, we must shield our young people from the deadly consequences of these harmful substances and the promotional campaigns surrounding them.”
The newly launched guide and toolkit serve as comprehensive manuals, offering step-by-step instructions to schools on how to transform their campuses into nicotine- and tobacco-free zones. However, this endeavor requires a “whole of school” approach, engaging teachers, staff, students, parents, and all stakeholders in the process. The guide and toolkit cover various aspects, including supporting students to quit, conducting educational campaigns, implementing policies, and enforcing them effectively.
The guide outlines four key strategies to establish a nicotine- and tobacco-free environment for young people:
Banning nicotine and tobacco products on school campuses
Prohibiting the sale of nicotine and tobacco products near schools
Banning direct and indirect advertisements and promotions of nicotine and tobacco products near schools
Refusing sponsorship or engagement with tobacco and nicotine industries
The publication highlights several countries worldwide that have successfully implemented policies supporting tobacco and nicotine-free campuses. Among them are India, Indonesia, Ireland, Kyrgyzstan, Morocco, Qatar, Syria, Saudi Arabia, and Ukraine.
The WHO’s new guide is poised to help create nicotine- and tobacco-free school environments, ensuring the well-being and safety of young individuals. Such policies not only prevent young people from initiating smoking but also contribute to a healthier, more productive student body, safeguard youths from toxic chemicals present in second-hand smoke, reduce cigarette litter, and lower cleaning costs.
To further protect public health, the WHO strongly urges all countries to follow Article 8 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, advocating for the complete ban of smoking in all indoor public spaces. This proactive approach aligns with the organization’s overarching mission of promoting global health and well-being.
