Tobacco smoking in public is despicable

Submitted by TemoL on Thu, 02/07/2009 - 10:59am

The Education Ministry does not condone students smoking in public places for the simple reason that it is against the law, is harmful to one’s health, will affect their performance in schools and that it is despicable.

"Smoking in public places is a selfish act as the passive smokers in the vicinity are affected and would not enjoy the experience," said Education Minister Filipe Bole.

"The Ministry wholeheartedly supports the work carried out by the Health Ministry’s Tobacco Control Enforcement Unit in controlling smoking in public places.

"The responsibility to assist our young people to choose a “NO TOBACCO” life style begins at home and in the community. Adults are urged to be supportive in protecting our young people from the dangers of tobacco smoking," he said.

Smoking is addictive. According to NSAAC, in Fiji, 22% of 13-15 year-olds smoke their first cigarette before they are 10.

Mr Bole said tobacco smoking is a major public health concern in Fiji. It is estimated that at least 600 million cigarettes are smoked in Fiji per year. An average smoker of 10 cigarettes per day could be saving $F15 per week, $F60 per month, $F720 per year, $F3600 in 5 years.

He said the cost of smoking to the government, business and families has been estimated at $F5 million per year in health care, expenditure on tobacco products and loss of productive years of life.

"NSAAC conducts awareness programmes in schools and communities throughout the year in its commitment to inform the Fiji public of the dangers of drugs, tobacco and other illicit substances.

"Researches conducted by NSAAC indicate that the three commonly used drugs by students of both primary and secondary schools are yaqona, alcohol and tobacco," said Mr Bole.

"This is consistent with the survey conducted by the Fiji Community Education Association that revealed that about 62.5 % of urban youth smoke tobacco compared to 55% of youth in the rural areas."

He said the Ministry is sorry to hear of this incident involving students smoking in buses in the wake of the National Substance Abuse Advisory Council’s [NSAAC] commemoration of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on Friday 26 June.

Mr Bole said the Ministry depends on the concerted effort of parents, teachers, school managements and community elders to work together in the eradication of this anti-social habit in our society.