School Tobacco Presence: Study Outlines Urgent Intervention Necessity

School Tobacco Presence: Study Outlines Urgent Intervention Necessity

On World No Tobacco Day, a study conducted by the University of Bremen highlights the urgent need for action to safeguard children and young people from tobacco marketing. The research reveals that schools in Bremen have an alarmingly high number of tobacco sales outlets in close proximity.

Researchers at the University of Bremen systematically assessed the density of tobacco sales outlets in relation to schools within the city. This is crucial for tobacco prevention efforts, as advertising for tobacco products can still be present at these outlets. The study's findings underscore the significance of taking steps to protect children from tobacco marketing.

The findings demonstrate that, on average, each school in Bremen has 7.46 tobacco sales outlets within easy walking distance (500 meters), with 1.27 outlets falling within a distance that can be covered during a break (200 meters). The number of outlets varies widely based on location, with some schools surrounded by up to 32 outlets and others with none. In total, 992 tobacco sales outlets were identified in Bremen, including 264 cigarette vending machines, 169 kiosks, 55 tobacco shops, and 129 supermarkets.

Legal tobacco advertising is allowed at these outlets, except cigarette vending machines. The lead author of the study, Professor Benjamin Schüz, emphasizes that the presence of tobacco advertising and easily accessible tobacco products in youth's everyday lives significantly contributes to the normalization of smoking. Current research suggests that this normalization can have a negative impact on children and young people, even if sales are legally restricted.

Due to concerns over data protection or a lack of systematic recording, the researchers had to rely on online mapping services for data extraction. This underscores a fundamental issue in research on legal addictive substances - the lack of well-documented data on sales points in Germany for both tobacco and alcohol.

Professor Schüz calls for a vigorous implementation of tobacco control measures in Germany, similar to those in the Netherlands. This includes banning the sale of cigarettes in supermarkets and permitting their sale only in specialist shops, among other measures. Moreover, better data on tobacco consumption and sales, consistent regulation of product placement, including e-cigarettes, in shops, and a consistent advertising ban, particularly in areas frequented by children and young people, are necessary. The abolition of cigarette machines and the creation of more smoke-free zones, both indoors and outdoors, would further help reduce the acceptance of smoking among youth.

Professor Schüz believes that Bremen could serve as a pioneer in implementing many of these measures, potentially becoming a model for other regions in Germany.

Nourat Noemi Alazza, Marie Horn, Benjamin Schüz, Annika Nolte, and Susanne de Vogel are the contributors to the study. For further information, visit www.uni-bremen.de/fb11. Contact Professor Schüz at +49 421 218 68833 or [email protected].

1. The urgency to act against tobacco marketing for children and young people is emphasized following a study by the University of Bremen.
2. The research found a high number of tobacco sales outlets in close proximity to schools in Bremen.
3. Assessing the density of tobacco sales outlets in relation to schools is crucial for tobacco prevention efforts.
4. Advertising for tobacco products can still be present at these outlets, posing a risk to children.
5. On average, each school in Bremen has 7.46 tobacco sales outlets within easy walking distance (500 meters).
6. Some schools in Bremen have up to 32 tobacco sales outlets in close proximity.
7. A total of 992 tobacco sales outlets were identified in Bremen, including cigarette vending machines, kiosks, tobacco shops, and supermarkets.
8. Legal tobacco advertising is allowed at these outlets, except cigarette vending machines.
9. Professor Benjamin Schüz emphasizes the impact of tobacco advertising and easily accessible tobacco products on normalizing smoking among youth.
10. Research suggests that this normalization can have a negative impact on children and young people.
11. Data protection issues and lack of systematic recording in Germany prevent researchers from gathering comprehensive data on tobacco and alcohol sales points.
12. Professor Schüz calls for the implementation of tobacco control measures in Germany, similar to those in the Netherlands.
13. Measures include banning the sale of cigarettes in supermarkets and permitting their sale only in specialist shops.
14. Better data on tobacco consumption and sales, consistent regulation of product placement in shops, and a consistent advertising ban are necessary.
15. The abolition of cigarette machines and the creation of more smoke-free zones, both indoors and outdoors, would further help reduce the acceptance of smoking among youth.
16. Professor Schüz believes Bremen could serve as a pioneer in implementing these measures and set an example for other regions in Germany.
17. The study was conducted by Nourat Noemi Alazza, Marie Horn, Benjamin Schüz, Annika Nolte, and Susanne de Vogel.
18. For further information, visit www.uni-bremen.de/fb11.
19. Professor Schüz can be contacted at +49 421 218 68833 or [email protected].
20. Tobacco marketing poses a significant threat to the health and wellness of children and young people.
21. Chronic diseases, such as cancer and respiratory conditions, are linked to smoking.
22. Eye-health, hearing, and mental-health can also be affected by smoking.
23. Incorporating fitness-and-exercise, nutrition, and weight-management in everyday life is crucial for overall health-and-wellness.
24. Maintaining cardiovascular-health is important in preventing chronic diseases.
25. Managing finances is essential for overall health-and-wellness, including seeking medical-treatments and therapies for existing conditions.
26. Skin-conditions can be improved with effective skin-care routines.
27. Smart-home-devices can help promote healthier lifestyles, such as by encouraging fitness-and-exercise or monitoring nutrition.
28. Cybersecurity measures are crucial in protecting personal-finance and personal data.
29. Sustainable-living practices, such as organic gardening, can contribute to healthy-cooking and better food-and-drink choices.

Read also: