The State Tobacco Control Cell, Nagaland has urged all the schools in the State to observe World No Tobacco Day on May 31.

“On this World No Tobacco Day, the World Health

Organization (WHO) is emphasizing the theme “Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference.” The State Tobacco Control Cell, Nagaland urge all the schools to organize a short program or allocate a few minutes during the school assembly to inform students about this year’s theme and the importance of making our school environments tobacco-free,” stated the Cell in a press release today.

This year’s theme highlights the critical importance of shielding children from the manipulative tactics of the tobacco industry. The tobacco industry spends approximately 8 billion dollars annually on various forms of advertising aimed at influencing and interfering with young people. According to the State Tobacco Control Cell, these tactics are designed to “replace their deceased customers with new, young consumers”.

Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play

Deceptive marketing strategies include:

-Exploiting the widespread use of smart phones and social media to target younger demographics.

Incentivizing vendors near schools to prominently display tobacco products.

-Using sleek, colorful point-of-sale displays to attract young people’s attention, often placing products at children’s eye level and near items like toys and sweets.

-Promoting flavored tobacco products, such as menthol cigarettes and candy-flavored e-cigarettes, which mask the harshness of tobacco and make it easier for young, non-smokers to start using them.

The participation of schools Is crucial in fostering a healthier, tobacco-free environment for our students, mentioned the Cell. “By taking part in this initiative, we can protect our children from the harmful effects of tobacco and promote their well-being,” it appealed.