A survey conducted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) has found that almost 20% of school children in India is using some form of tobacco. The findings are part of the Global Youth Tobacco Survey, carried out in 140 countries, and were released by Indian Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss.
The survey found that around 17% of students aged 15 and other uses some form of tobacco, mostly cigarettes, and there seems to be no difference in consumption between girls and boys. Despite a ban on the sale of tobacco and tobacco products to minors, there has been little decline in consumption over the past three years. Additionally, as many teachers smoke (more than a third of school personnel), it is though they might be encouraging the practice.
Nevertheless, the survey did produce some good news. For example, a ban on smoking in public has seen a drop in exposure to second-hand smoke from 49% to 40%. Also, the percentage of children who tried their first cigarette before the age of 10 went down from 49% to 37%.
Source: BBC News, 20 March 2008
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30 Jul 2010
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The Oxford Health Alliance | www.oxha.org
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20 Mar 2008
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Nearly one in five school children in India uses some form of tobacco, says WHO
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20 March 2008
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