Measures to Tackle Smoking Problems of Young People

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked the Minister for Health (a) what impacts do our anti-smoking programmes have on dissuading the younger generation from taking up smoking; and (b) whether there is an inter-agency work group that tackles the smoking problems of young people below the age of 18.

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We have made progress in dissuading our youth from smoking through our tobacco control initiatives. National surveys of the youth population indicate that the proportion of Secondary 1 to 4 students who smoked at least one day in the last 30 days fell from 11% in 2000 to 9% in 2006, and 6% in 2009. Post-programme surveys also show that about 90% of youth are aware of the harmful effects of smoking which may deter them from experimenting with tobacco products11.

Nevertheless, we are mindful that much more remains to be done. Recent studies indicate that the incidence rates of smoking among the youth are showing signs of an increase, similar to many countries in the world. Therefore, our efforts need to be sustained, especially for each new cohort of youth, and we also need to ensure that our youth remain smoke-free as they get older. Hence, we have adopted a multi-pronged, whole-of-Government approach. This comprises legislation, health promotion and education, and smoking cessation efforts involving multiple agencies that aim at denormalising tobacco use and establishing smoke-free living as the social norm in Singapore.

For example, we have worked with the Ministry of Education (MOE) to incorporate messages on the harmful effects of smoking and ways to say "no" to smoking into the school curricula and co-"curricular activities. The "Live it Up Without Lighting Up" initiative engages young people outside of the school environment, and highlights the benefits of being tobacco-free in areas that appeal to youth.

To help youth who are already smokers, we have increased the number of smoking cessation touch points in the community and in schools. The adolescent care clinics at our restructured hospitals also provide on-site, smoking cessation counselling to youth smokers. We are also working with the relevant Ministries to provide tailored programmes for full-time National Servicemen.

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Underlying our health promotion and smoking cessation efforts is the creation of a tobacco-free environment for youth. The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) takes firm action against retailers who supply minors with tobacco products, while the National Environment Agency (NEA) enforces the ban on smoking in public places, including the places where youth congregate, that come under the ban.

Families and the community can also play a positive role providing good role models and support to our young people to live healthy, smoke-free lives.

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