In most countries around the world, the use of e-cigarettes is more widespread among young people; Sponsorship of festivals and sporting events is also part of the brands’ strategy
Summary
According to the WHO, approximately 37 million adolescents use tobacco. The industry strives to attract young people with flavors and sponsorships at events and also through social media to circumvent regulations. WHO is pressuring governments to increase regulations and bans on tobacco use among young people.
According to World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 37 million adolescents, aged between 13 and 15, currently use tobacco. Among young people, the use of electronic cigarettes it is more common than among adults in most countries. WHO points out that the data reflects the tobacco industry’s ongoing efforts to attract younger audiences by circumventing existing regulations.
According to the international body, the industry’s main strategy involves the rapid introduction of products that avoid or circumvent current regulations, using all possible means to increase its market share before regulatory measures are applied. E-cigarettes are cited as the prime example of this. In this case the main approach is to present electronic devices as a “safer” alternative to traditional cigarettes.
“The industry promotes nicotine products as ‘safer’ than cigarettes in an attempt to divert the attention of politicians and consumers from the fact that nicotine itself is highly addictive and harmful, especially to children and young people “, underlines the WHO in a note.
Furthermore, the entity notes that all products, including conventional cigarettes, are undergoing significant changes in their formulation and design, which contradicts the assertion that the products are intended exclusively for adults. “The use of flavors such as cotton candy and chewing gum, along with colorful packaging, in both cigarettes and vaporizers, represents a clear attempt to attract younger people,” Ruediger Krech, director of the Promotion Department, said in a statement of WHO health. .
As an example of this position, WHO highlights the strategy of some companies by sponsoring events such as music and sports festivals and also taking a specific approach on social media to indirectly connect with younger audiences.
Via Additionally, Adhanom questioned the industry’s position as an advocate for “harm reduction.” “How can they talk about harm reduction while marketing these addictive products to children?” the executive asked on the social network.
Through the statement, the WHO said it is pressuring governments to protect young people from the use of tobacco, e-cigarettes and other nicotine products through bans and stricter regulations.
The WHO guidelines include the implementation of completely smoke-free public environments, a ban on flavored e-cigarettes, restrictions on the marketing, advertising and promotion of these products, as well as increasing taxes, raising public awareness about deceptive tactics of the tobacco industry, tobacco and support for youth-led education initiatives.
“Young drug addicts represent a permanent source of profit for the industry,” said Jorge Alday, director of the STOP program at Vital Strategies. “That’s why the industry is aggressively lobbying to create an environment that makes smoking convenient, attractive and accessible to young people. If policymakers fail to act, current and future generations could face a new wave of harm, characterized by addiction and addiction. ‘widespread use of various tobacco and nicotine products, including e-cigarettes,’ Alday highlighted.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
