Warning: Rate of New Tobacco Use Among Students Is Increasing

In Vietnam, according to a survey by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health , the rate of high school students using new cigarettes between the ages of 13 and 17 is increasing.

In Vietnam, according to a survey by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health, the rate of high school students using new cigarettes between the ages of 13 and 17 is increasing.

Usage rate is increasing rapidly

According to research from the World Health Organization (WHO) and domestic health agencies, e-cigarettes and new tobacco products are becoming a major threat to the young generation.

Communities and social organizations need to actively participate in changing young people's habits.

E-cigarettes are marketed as a “safe alternative” to traditional cigarettes, with less smell and smoke, and a variety of appealing flavors such as fruit, mint, candy, etc.

This has led many young people to believe that using e-cigarettes is not dangerous, even “civilized” and “cool”. However, the reality is completely different, as these products contain many toxic chemicals that are no less harmful than traditional cigarettes.

Although there is no smoke like traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes still contain many toxic chemicals, including nicotine, formaldehyde, acrolein and other compounds that can cause cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Nicotine, the main addictive substance in new cigarettes, is especially dangerous for teenagers, as it can affect brain development, leading to problems with learning, concentration and decision-making. One study found that nicotine use during adolescence can increase the risk of mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety.

Additionally, using new cigarettes can also cause long-term damage to the respiratory system. The chemicals in e-cigarettes can cause pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and increase the risk of respiratory diseases. Some cases have recorded severe pneumonia and lung damage due to e-cigarette use.

According to reports from the Vietnamese Ministry of Health and international health organizations, the rate of students using electronic cigarettes is increasing rapidly.

A recent study found that about 8.6% of high school students in Vietnam have used e-cigarettes. This rate is particularly high among male students and in large urban areas, where e-cigarettes are easily accessible and can be purchased online.

This increase is all the more worrying as studies show that e-cigarette use can lead to switching to traditional cigarettes.

Most e-cigarette users started with new cigarettes and then returned to traditional cigarettes, increasing their risk of cancer, heart disease and respiratory diseases.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Huong, Tobacco Harm Prevention Fund, Ministry of Health said that new cigarettes have long been incorporated into the image of "coolness" and "social benefits" in movies, music videos or advertisements, creating a false impression of the real harm of this product.

Strengthen communication to change perceptions

One of the key strategies to reduce tobacco use among young people is to strengthen communication and education. Communication campaigns should not only warn about the harmful effects of tobacco, but also change young people's perceptions of the false "benefits" they believe they get from smoking.

Early childhood education programs are needed in schools to help students recognize the harmful effects of tobacco at an early age. These programs should combine health awareness, the negative effects of tobacco, and methods of refusal and coping when friends and people around them are tempted to use tobacco.

In addition, there needs to be close coordination between authorities, social organizations and media channels to carry out effective communication campaigns, using modern means such as social networks, viral videos, and influencers to reach young people.

To prevent new tobacco, according to Mr. Nguyen Van Minh, Principal of the University of Public Health, the family also plays a very important role. Parents need to be good examples for their children in maintaining health, staying away from tobacco and other stimulants.

Sincere, direct conversations about the harmful effects of tobacco, the risk of cancer and other serious diseases from smoking need to be done regularly, so that children understand that smoking is not a way to show maturity or personality, but an act of self-destruction.

According to Mr. Vu Manh Cuong, Director of the Central Center for Health Education and Communication, Ministry of Health, the community and social organizations also need to actively participate in changing the habits of young people.

Community awareness campaigns, competitions to learn about the harmful effects of tobacco, and training programs to teach refusal skills will help young people have enough knowledge and strength to say no to tobacco.

Young people are the future of the country. Protecting the health of the young generation, preventing them from being "trapped" by tobacco, is a great responsibility that each of us must participate in; There must be strong campaigns, a comprehensive communication strategy to change the awareness, habits and behaviors of young people. Let's start with small, but sure and determined steps, to ensure a healthy and smoke-free future generation.

Source: https://baodautu.vn/canh-bao-ty-le-hoc-sinh-su-dung-thuoc-la-moi-dang-gia-tang-d233634.html