" Smart Camp" To Deter Teenage Smoking

"Smart Camp" to deter teenage smoking

PATHUM THANI: -- Government health authorities are launching a nationwide campaign to convince teenagers that smoking is dangerous, disgusting, and distinctly "uncool".

Faced with a rising tide of teenage smokers, the Public Health Ministry is planning to set up anti-smoking "Smart Camps" across the country that will combine health education and recreational activities in a smoke-free environment.

A training session for educators who will lead the "Smart Camp" activities nationwide was launched today by the ministry, with more than 200 nurses, public health and social workers taking part.

According to Dr. Prat Boonyawongvirot, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Public Health, official statistics indicate that smoking among teenagers is expanding faster than any other age group.

In 1999, 12.3 per cent of teenagers surveyed by the National Statistical Office said they were regular smokers. In 2001, the figure increased to 13.5 per cent, and the trend is continuing to rise.

Dr. Prat says teenagers see nothing wrong with smoking as people around them such as parents and friends often smoke too, desensitising them to the habit.

He suggests the campaign should focus on portraying cigarette smoking as a disgusting activity. At the same time, the government should promote good recreational activities for youth, strictly

enforce smoking bans, and widen the use of non-smoking zones.

--TNA 2005-06-13