DIMAPUR — The State Tobacco Control Cell (STCC) under the aegis of National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) urged all the schools in Nagaland to observe ‘World No Tobacco Day’ on May 31 on the theme "Protecting children from tobacco industry interference."
In a press release, STCC urged all the schools to organise a short programme or allocate a few minutes during the school assembly to inform students about this year's theme and the importance of making the school environments tobacco-free.
It stated that this year's theme highlights the critical importance of shielding children from the manipulative tactics of the tobacco industry.
It mentioned that the tobacco industry spends approximately 8 billion dollars annually on various forms of advertising aimed at influencing and interfering with young people. The tactics are designed to replace their deceased customers with new, young consumers.
According to STCC, deceptive marketing strategies included ‘Exploiting the widespread use of smart phones and social media to target younger demographics,’ ‘Incentivising 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,’ and ‘Promoting flavoured tobacco products, such as menthol cigarettes and candy-flavored e-cigarettes, which masked the harshness of tobacco and make it easier for young, non-smokers to start using them.
It further stated that the participation of schools is crucial in fostering a healthier, tobacco-free environment for the students. It added that by taking part in the initiative, children could be protected from the harmful effects of tobacco and promote their well-being.
Meanwhile, in commemoration of ‘World No Tobacco Day,’ the District Tobacco Control Cell (DTCC), Zunheboto, accompanied by the police personnel and No Tobacco Club, Zunheboto, conducted an enforcement drive near the educational institutions under COTPA Act 2003 Sec. 6 in Zunheboto town on Wednesday.
During the drive, seven shops were penalised under the COTPA Act 2003.