Tide turns against tobacco as young Northlanders turn away

30 May 2012

Tide turns against tobacco as young Northlanders turn away

2012 has seen a record jump in the number of young New Zealanders turning away from tobacco.

“We’ve seen the biggest drop in youth smoking in almost a decade, with 3.9% of Year 10 students smoking daily compared to 4.1% nationally. Tobacco sales are down 14% and 95% of smokers seen in our hospitals are offered brief advice and support to quit,” says Bridget Rowse, Smokefree Advisor.

“All three of our Local Councils have Smokefree policies for parks, playground and sports grounds. Tobacco is on the way out and our role now is to create an environment that discourages young people from experimenting with the habit and to support those who want to quit. We are on the way to a Smokefree Aotearoa,” Bridget adds.

Recent research indicates that at least eight out of every 10 people who smoke regret starting, and six in every 10 have tried quitting in the last five years. Most smokers want to quit, they just don’t always have the support they need and don’t always know how.

“Our job,” explains Bridget, “is to make it as easy as possible. There’s never been more support for those who want to quit, and there’s never been a better understanding of the different options and what approach works for different people.”

“It’s not about banning smoking or some sort of prohibition. It’s about empowering people to make their own choices for their own futures, free of addiction. We’ve all got a role to play in supporting that,” Bridget explains.

If you have someone in your family or household who smokes and is thinking about quitting, or if you are a smoker yourself and want to discourage others from following in your footsteps, think about the things you can do to create a supportive environment. It might be as simple as creating a smokefree home and car, encouraging each other in healthy habits and choices and perhaps considering turning quitting into a team event.

“Some people quit with a friend, others know their whānau are in their corner cheering them on – you don’t have to do it alone. World Smokefree Day, is a great opportunity to take that first step toward a smokefree future.” Bridget explains.

New Zealand has committed to a goal of a Smokefree Aotearoa by 2025. The aim is to create a country that is essentially smokefree, where less than 5% of the population are current smokers.

The Smoking Not Our Future Facebook page has drawn some 75,000 New Zealanders to the online conversation.

“Our youth are leading the way, marching swiftly toward a future without tobacco, a future without the leading cause of cancer, death and disease in New Zealand.” Bridget explains.

To quit smoking talk to your local health professional, an Aukati Kai Paipa quit coach www.aukatikaipaipa.co.nz or call Quitline on 0800 778 7788, or visit www.quit.org.nz.

World Smokefree Day was created by the World Health Organisation in 1987. In other countries it is known as World No Tobacco Day.

For more information on World Smokefree Day, go to: www.worldsmokefreeday.org.nz

ENDS

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