'Creating' a smoke-free generation

The proposal to ban the sale and use of tobacco products for individuals born on or after January 1, 2010, is attracting considerable attention. When the Ministry of Health included this provision in the draft amendment to the Law on Prevention and Control of Tobacco Harm, public opinion immediately diversified. Some support the drastic solution, but many others are concerned about its feasibility and the rights of individuals as this group reaches adulthood.

The "Golden Bell" quiz competition, testing knowledge about preventing and combating the harmful effects of tobacco, was held at several high schools in Thai Nguyen province. (Photo: Provided)

A notable aspect of the draft lies in its generational approach. In line with the proposal, the regulatory body aims to prohibit the sale, supply, and use of these products for this age group.

Instead of tightening the entire market immediately, the regulation creates a long-term boundary. This means that over time, the number of people allowed access to legal tobacco will gradually decrease, moving towards a smoke-free society.

In reality, the landscape of the tobacco industry is changing rapidly. While previously the familiar image was that of traditional cigarettes at sidewalk cafes, e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products have now infiltrated schools under sophisticated guises. Designed like tech gadgets, with sweet aromas, these products target young people.

Many students initially turn to cigarettes out of curiosity or peer pressure, without fully understanding the dangers of nicotine. Without strong legal safeguards, those born in 2010 will quickly become a new target market for manufacturers. Once addicted, quitting at this age is extremely difficult.

Establishing early barriers as proposed is a root-cause approach. Instead of waiting for young people to get sick before incurring costly treatment, this policy proactively prevents the risk from the outset. Globally, this model is not uncommon and is recognized as a fundamental public health strategy.

However, the biggest challenge always lies in enforcement. Regulations prohibiting the sale of tobacco to minors have been in place for a long time, but students can still purchase tobacco quite easily. Without effective monitoring mechanisms at retail outlets, this new ban on the supply and use of tobacco could easily become a case of having a law but being difficult to enforce.

Furthermore, the law needs to be accompanied by public awareness. It will be very difficult to persuade young people to stay away from nicotine when society remains lenient. The image of adults casually smoking in public, the habit of asking children to buy medicine for them, or the carelessness of salespeople are all loopholes that undermine the effectiveness of the law.

Therefore, the story doesn't just stop at prohibiting sales or use. The important thing is to create a healthy environment. When parents set a good example, sellers resolutely refuse to sell, and schools promote education , then the effectiveness of prevention will truly be realized.

The proposal concerning the 2010s generation will undoubtedly be debated. But at least, the draft has set a limit for everyone to ponder: What do we need to do to ensure that children's upbringing is not shrouded in cigarette smoke?

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/xa-hoi/202605/kien-tao-the-he-khong-khoi-thuoc-da8196b/