CBSE asks kids to say no to tobacco

Schools to hold awareness competitions

For the first time the Central Board of Secondary Education has asked its affiliated schools to organise myriad competitions to spread awareness among students about the perils of consuming tobacco.

The board has issued circulars to all schools to work around the theme ‘Harmful effects of Tobacco’ and educate students via poster making and essay writing competitions as well as quizzes.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has designated May 31 as ‘World No Tobacco Day’ to highlight the health risks associated with tobacco use.

Vineet Joshi, Chairman, CBSE said, “It is not just important to educate children scholastically, but children must also have general knowledge and awareness. As an education body, the onus and responsibility of creating social awareness amongst children is on the board.”

“We would definitely like to play our part,” he added.

According to the circular, the top two entries of each competition should be sent on or before May 20 to the CBSE office.

“The top three entries will be selected from each CBSE region by a distinguished panel of experts and the winners will be awarded a certificate and a citation on World No Tobacco Day,” it said.

An official with the Central Board of Secondary Education  said the board strongly feels that schools have a major responsibility to  raise awareness among their students, staff and the community against this deadly habit.

Schools must ensure that Section 6 of Indian Tobacco Control Act COTPA 2003, which prohibits the sale of tobacco products within 100 yards radius from any educational institution, he added.

According to the WHO, tobacco is the foremost cause of preventable death and disease in the world today. 

“India is the second largest consumer of tobacco products in the world. National Family Health Survey 3 in 2006 indicates an increasing prevalence of tobacco consumption in India, with 57 per cent male and 10.9 per cent female reportedly consuming tobacco in some form,” CBSE said in a statement quoting WHO. 

“Global Youth Tobacco Survey in 2006 also indicates that 14 per cent children in the age group of 13-15 years are consuming tobacco. Six lakh people who die every year are passive smokers dying from breathing second hand smoke. This figure is expected to rise significantly,” the statement further added.