May 31 marks World No Tobacco Day (WNTD). This year, the World Health Organization (WHO) and public health advocates worldwide are coming together to highlight the harmful impact of the tobacco industry on youth.
Protecting Youth from Tobacco Industry Tactics
The theme for WNTD 2024 is centered on ending the targeting of youth by the tobacco industry. This initiative provides a platform for young people, policy-makers, and tobacco control advocates to discuss the issue and urge governments to implement policies that protect young people from the manipulative practices of the tobacco industry. Despite significant reductions in cigarette smoking due to the efforts of the tobacco control community, more action is needed to safeguard vulnerable groups.
In 2022, data revealed that at least 37 million young people aged 13-15 worldwide use some form of tobacco. In the WHO European Region, 11.5% of boys and 10.1% of girls in this age group are tobacco users, totaling 4 million young people.
Why the Tobacco Industry Targets Youth
The tobacco industry relies on replacing the millions of customers who die or quit each year to sustain its revenue. To achieve this, the industry creates an environment that encourages the uptake of its products among the next generation. This includes ensuring its products are available and affordable through lax regulations. The industry also develops products and advertising strategies that appeal to children and adolescents, using social media and streaming platforms to reach them.
Electronic cigarettes and nicotine pouches are becoming increasingly popular among youth. In 2022, 12.5% of adolescents in the European Region used e-cigarettes, compared to 2% of adults. In some countries, the rates of e-cigarette use among school children are 2-3 times higher than cigarette smoking rates.
Call to Action
The tobacco industry knowingly promotes a deadly dependency to young people. WNTD 2024 calls on governments and the tobacco control community to protect current and future generations and to hold the tobacco industry accountable for the harm it causes.
