Teens smoking secretly, unchecked

I would like to bring to the attention of the public, parents, schools and the relevant authorities, the habit of smoking which is now prevalent among school-going teenagers.

I have personally observed that schools in Abu Dhabi are facing a problem of an increasing number of students — mainly boys in higher secondary grades — smoking cigarettes secretly in groups while at school, away from the eyes of parents.

I was stupefied when I saw a grocery store selling a pack of cigarettes to a boy in a school uniform, who definitely seemed to be under the age of 18.

This behaviour is having a negative impact on the peers of such students, who may also feel tempted to take up the bad habit of smoking.

Moreover, to avoid being caught red-handed by teachers or parents, the pupils often smoke in school lavatories and have chewing gum or mints after they are done smoking, to hide their bad breath.

I request the relevant authorities to take stringent action against grocery stores and other shops which sell cigarettes to minors. This could be done through random checks.

Also, pupils can be made aware of the countless hazards of smoking by the school management. I suggest that parents of children in the 14-17 age group be more cautious, as this age group is more prone to taking up such activities.

I am optimistic that this community report would help highlight and even curb this worrying practice.

The reader is a grade 12 pupil, based in Abu Dhabi.

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