Cigarettes and e-cigarettes - a danger creeping into young people

A propaganda session on prevention of harmful effects of electronic cigarettes by Thanh Khe Ward Police.

The harmful effects cannot be ignored.

Traditional cigarettes have long been warned to contain more than 7,000 chemicals, of which about 70 are carcinogenic. Smoking causes chronic diseases such as: obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, directly affecting the respiratory system. Not only smokers, but also those who inhale secondhand smoke are seriously affected.

Worryingly, e-cigarettes, which are marketed as “less toxic alternatives,” still contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance, along with flavorings and solvents that can damage the respiratory tract. Studies have shown that using e-cigarettes can increase the risk of pneumonia, heart rhythm disturbances, and even brain damage in adolescents.

The danger lies in the “illusion of safety” mentality, many young people believe that e-cigarettes are harmless, just for experimentation. From the first few puffs, they gradually become dependent, even easily switching to traditional cigarettes or other addictive substances.

The trap of enticement

In the school environment, many students start smoking e-cigarettes just because of the provocation or challenge of friends. A cigarette becomes a tool to "prove one's bravery", to avoid being seen as "shy" or "left behind". The mentality of wanting to fit in makes many students lose their vigilance.

Le Toan Vinh, a 12/1 student at Thanh Khe High School, frankly shared: “Many people consider trying e-cigarettes normal, even “trendy”. Some smoke out of curiosity, some because they are persuaded. The most dangerous thing is that many people see it as entertainment.”

These confessions show that tobacco prevention is not only about giving scientific warnings, but also about addressing the psychology of adolescence - where curiosity and peer pressure can overwhelm reason.

Mr. Nguyen Nguyen Tuan (Hoa Khanh ward) could not hide his worry: "We really need close coordination from the school and the authorities, so that our children do not get caught up in this danger."

This concern is also common among many parents, as no matter how closely they instruct and supervise, they cannot "watch over" their children 24/7.

Strengthen propaganda for prevention

Ms. Dinh Thi Ngoc Lan, Vice Principal of Thanh Khe High School, said: “E-cigarettes are creeping into students’ lives, with compact, easy-to-hide, easy-to-buy devices. We have implemented many propaganda topics, invited health workers and ward police to talk, but the most important thing is to build self-protection awareness among students. Students must understand that just one try can have long-term consequences.”

According to Ms. Lan, effective solutions must come from a combination of family - school - society. Schools can set regulations and organize specialized activities; families need to pay attention and talk, and society needs to strictly control the supply, not allowing students to easily access toxic products.

Senior Lieutenant Nguyen Thanh Quan, Thanh Khe Ward Police shared: "What we are concerned about is that many children consider e-cigarettes as a game, use cigarettes out of habit, learn from their friends but are not yet fully aware of the unpredictable consequences. Therefore, propaganda work needs to go deeper, presenting real stories and typical cases, so that children can see the harm right before their eyes. Families need to share and care more about children."

It can be seen that tobacco and e-cigarettes are not only a health issue, but also a social responsibility. Only when each student is aware of self-protection, each family pays close attention, schools strengthen education and society unanimously tightens management, can this danger be stopped.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/thuoc-la-va-thuoc-la-dien-tu-hiem-hoa-dang-len-loi-vao-gioi-tre-3303656.html