Student smokers

Smoking among teenagers, especially school-going ones, is becoming rampant and is increasing in alarming proportions.

I have observed this during early morning hours in the Al Qasimiya area of Sharjah while going for my daily walk. Many teenagers resort to smoking while waiting for the school bus.

It becomes contagious and if two smoke today, tomorrow the number is bound to increase. Those who smoke entice others to do so and once they have commenced, there is no going back.

What I am worried about is seniors ‘inspiring' their juniors to smoke, and there seems to be no one around to notice and take corrective steps.

If at least the parents who are present take some initiative to admonish their actions there will definitely be a change for the better.

Additionally, they should spend at least some quality time with their wards and guide them to a better lifestyle.

Authorities can try to explain to students the hazards of smoking by audiovisual media and counselling. This can apply to not just smoking, but to keeping the surroundings clean, avoiding junk food or wasting food and other good living habits.

This way, their attention can be drawn to the consequences of their seemingly simple misdeeds.

— The reader is a consultant in Sharjah

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