According to World Health Organization, tobacco use causes more than 5mn deaths annually, a number that could increase to over 8mn by 2030 if decisive action is not taken. Oman launched a year-long nationwide campaign to combat tobacco use recently. What other steps should be implemented to reduce smoking among teenagers? Here is what Muscat Daily readers said – 

Hamed al Busaidi, Teacher

Social media campaigns can have a great impact on teenagers, as they are always online. Influencers and celebrities should actively promote anti-smoking messages and healthy living habits. Additionally, we should provide teenagers with engaging alternatives like sports activities or creative workshops to divert their attention from harmful habits.

Salma al Kharusi, Homemaker

Raising awareness through schools and colleges is crucial. Teenagers need to understand the long-term health effects of smoking, which can be done through interactive sessions and real-life stories. The government should also introduce stricter regulations on the sale of tobacco to minors and increase taxes on cigarettes to make them less affordable. Parents must also be involved in anti-smoking programmes.

Mohammed al Balushi, Private sector employee

We need to encourage peer-led initiatives like sports or making short films, where students influence each other positively. Banning smoking in all public spaces and introducing harsher penalties for those who sell tobacco to minors is another necessary step.

Rajesh Nair, Sales executive

Educational institutions must include smoking prevention as part of their curriculum focusing on the harmful effects. We also need to create more smoke-free zones in public places and neighbourhoods to discourage the habit. Additionally, organising free health check-ups and counselling for teens can be a powerful deterrent.

Priya Menon, Student

More restrictions should be placed on the advertising of tobacco products in every medium including social media. Media campaigns should show the serious consequences of smoking. Parents and teachers should receive special training to recognise early signs of smoking in teenagers and intervene at the right time.

James Thompson, Engineer

Peer pressure plays a major role in teenage smoking. Schools should introduce mentorship programmes where older students guide younger ones on making healthier choices. The government can also offer incentives such as scholarships or rewards to students who stay tobacco-free. Raising the legal smoking age and enforcing strict penalties on stores selling cigarettes to minors can further curb the problem.