WHO calls for total ban on tobacco advertising
On this year's World No Tobacco Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) is calling for a comprehensive ban on cigarette advertising. In particular, 1.8 billion young people must be protected from the dangers of smoking.
To mark this year's World No Tobacco Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) is calling for a comprehensive ban on cigarette advertising. In particular, 1.8 billion young people need to be protected from the dangers of smoking. According to the latest studies, this target group is particularly exposed to tobacco advertising, said Douglas Bettcher from the WHO's anti-tobacco initiative to the press in Geneva on Friday. The motto for World No Tobacco Day 2008 is therefore "Smoke-free youth", and the WHO criticizes that currently only five percent of the world's population is completely protected from cigarette promotion of any kind. In their opinion, a complete ban would be effective: countries that have adapted their laws accordingly could show a reduction in tobacco consumption of almost 16 percent.
Because most young smokers take up the cigarette before the age of 18, the tobacco industry has adapted its campaigns and is now trying to seduce young people in cinemas, on the Internet, at concerts and sporting events. Smoking is advertised as prestige-enhancing and energy-boosting.
As part of a study, the WHO surveyed young people between the ages of 13 and 15 in schools around the world. The result: more than 55 percent of pupils had seen cigarette advertising in the last 30 days. Moreover, one in five of the young people owned an object with a cigarette brand emblem. The WHO is also calling for a complete ban on smoking in public places and the abolition of cigarette vending machines.
Because most young smokers take up the cigarette before the age of 18, the tobacco industry has adapted its campaigns and is now trying to seduce young people in cinemas, on the Internet, at concerts and sporting events. Smoking is advertised as prestige-enhancing and energy-boosting.
As part of a study, the WHO surveyed young people between the ages of 13 and 15 in schools around the world. The result: more than 55 percent of pupils had seen cigarette advertising in the last 30 days. Moreover, one in five of the young people owned an object with a cigarette brand emblem. The WHO is also calling for a complete ban on smoking in public places and the abolition of cigarette vending machines.
