May 31, 2008

‘Ban marketing and advertisements of tobacco products for a tobacco-free-youth’

‘Tobacco-free-youth’ is a befitting theme for the anti-tobacco initiatives of World No Tobacco Day as thefirst puff of tobacco taken during youth, most often continues till the last breath, The Day, seeks to continuethe fight against tobacco products, by attacking the root of the problem – To STOP advertisements and publicity of tobacco products and to focus on youth as the starting point of the fight against tobacco.

Tobacco industries cough up billions of dollars on marketing and advertising of tobacco products. There is conclusive evidence of the grave impact of advertising on young impressionable minds, which leads them to try out the vice. Once they are hooked, it is an addiction capable of consuming their lives.

The objectives for this year seek to benefit an estimated 1.8 billion young people worldwide, between the 10-24 years age bracket. The bulk of tobacco users, according to research, are initiated into the habit in their teenage years. Translating it into numbers, it is an estimated 5500 youths roped into the vortex every single day.

Discerning youth of today, who are not information- challenged, must also read between the lines of beautifully- crafted marketing strategies, advertisements and promotional campaigns of tobacco products.

Poison in a Puff

• Welcome to the world of nicotine, known for its addictive tendencies; chances of addiction are greater in the young.