Campaign to stub out e-cigarettes from schools gains momentum

The campaign to eliminate e-cigarettes from schools is rapidly gaining momentum, as recent studies indicate a more than fivefold increase in usage over the past seven years.

Education Minister Police General Permpoon Chidchob reaffirmed the government’s dedication to eradicating e-cigarette use in schools during a forum held yesterday, May 27.

The event, organised by the Action on Smoking and Health Foundation (ASHF) Thailand, featured members of the Gen Z Strong campaign, who shared their efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco and e-cigarettes among young people.

Permpoon emphasised the government’s policy to discourage its usage due to potential health risks, noting that these products can often lead to drug abuse.

In response, school administrators have been given the authority to confiscate e-cigarettes from students on school grounds, said Permpoon.

“The image of e-cigarettes as being harmful and shameful needs to be reinforced. The Gen Z Strong campaign has been instrumental in weaning youths off e-cigarettes and keeping students from experimenting with them.”

He stressed that building a strong community against vaping must start at home.

The minister also directed authorities to crack down on the illegal sale of e-cigarettes, especially those sold by students to their peers.

Information on the harmful chemicals in vapes is being disseminated through various channels, and the public is encouraged to report illegal sales and smuggling.

ASHF assistant manager Chawala Pawaputanont Na Mahasarakham highlighted a worrying trend, e-cigarette smoking among youths aged 13 to 15 has surged from 3.3% in 2015 to 17.6% last year. The survey also revealed a significant rise in usage among girls.

These figures were derived from a survey of 6,700 secondary school students nationwide.

Chawala noted that many students and teachers have joined the Gen Z Strong campaign, which now has networks in 28 provinces and a membership of 6,776 people.

Chair of the Gen Z club in Phetchabun, Thanya Thongsan pointed out that smoking has negatively impacted students’ learning abilities, reported Bangkok Post.