"We also need to think about how to realize schools or educational institutions as smoke-free areas as well as (measures) to (ensure) that no stalls selling cigarettes and no cigarette advertisements along the road lead to the school," the ministry's Coordinator of Health and Education of the Child Rights Fulfillment Department, Anggin Nuzula Rahma, stated on Thursday.
Rahma's statement was made during the National Children's Day webinar titled "Does the Government Still Committed to Reduce the Prevalence of Child Smokers to Achieve the 2020-2024 National Medium-term Development Plan Target?" as observed here.
Apart from restricting cigarette sales, the ministry also urged regional authorities to prohibit cigarette advertisements and expand smoke-free areas, she stated.
She then reminded parents to set a good example for their families and children by not smoking in front of them.
"Parents must set a good example in front of their children, particularly by preventing exposure to negative effects, or the cigarette smoke, and from the influence of smoking (behavior) on their environment," Rahma remarked.
The official pointed out that efforts to filter negative information necessitated collaboration among various stakeholders, such as the government, business community, and mass media.
The ministry has also been heedful of the aspirations of the Children Forum that suggest the government to not only restrict cigarette advertisements but also provide rehabilitation services to child smokers.
"They have delivered the voice of Indonesian children in 2022, and one of their aspirations is suggesting the government and society to optimize efforts to control the dissemination of cigarette advertisements, promotions, and sponsorships as well as provide special rehabilitation services for child smokers," Rahma remarked.
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Translator: Anita Permata D, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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