girls worldwide say "ban smoking in public places"

On 31 May the World Health Organization (WHO) celebrates annual World No-Tobacco Day. This year’s theme is “smoke free inside” aiming to create and enjoy a 100 per cent smoke free environment as the only effective way to protect people from exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke.

 

As the voice of girls and young women, WAGGGS has identified smoking and tobacco as priority issues on which to take a stand and speak out. According to the WHO, scientific evidence demonstrates that 100 per cent smoke free environments are the only proven way to adequately protect the health of all people from the devastating effects of second-hand tobacco smoke.

 

What you can do

Support the fight to ban smoking in public places

Some countries – mostly in Europe – have already banned smoking in public places or plan to do so in the near future. But other countries around the world don’t have regulations on smoking in public or don’t enforce them strictly.

 

Find out about the tobacco laws and regulations in your country and if there are any campaigns you can join to fight against smoking in public.

Register your No-Tobacco Day event

If you are planning an event on World No-Tobacco Day or if you know of an event taking place – tell WAGGGS and the WHO about it. Follow this link to the WHO event registration and use the comment section below to share your information.

Prevent other people from starting to smoke

The best way to prevent second-hand smoke is to prevent people from starting to smoke. The main reasons young people give on why they smoke include being sociable, appearing mature, showing their independence, peer pressure, slimness and enhancing their attractiveness. Tell your friends and other young people about the health risk and the dangers of tobacco and second-hand smoke.

Tell us your opinion

What do you think is the best way to prevent young people from starting to smoke? How can the World Health Organization achieve 100 per cent smoke free environments in all countries worldwide? Share your ideas and views by using the comment section below.