ASH Action: 
 protecting children from tobacco		  
 



PROTECTING CHILDREN FROM TOBACCO: 
list of aims & endorsing  organisations

AIMS  of Protecting Children from Tobacco partners
NEWS - new moves, research and developments on protecting kids
RESEARCH EVIDENCE  for measures to protect children
RESOURCES - including ASH factsheets and video
STEPS IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION - national / world scoresheet
ILLEGAL SUPPLY TO CHILDREN

 

The tobacco industry claims it doesn't want children to smoke - but rails against 
a "Nanny State".   

Children are the tobacco industry's prime targets.  

Most smokers start before turning 18 - the average Australian smoking initiation age is just under 16. Teenagers copy young adults - influenced by images in films, TV, pop music, fashion and sport. Tobacco companies know this - their own documents show their push to "recruit new smokers" - euphemism for addicting children. See the Tobacco Industry record  on targeting kids, and their  marketing ploys

More than 110,000 Australian schoolchildren smoked in the last week - 7.3%, increasing with age from 1.5% of 12-year-olds to 13.6% of 17-year-olds. 2008 secondary schools survey  Of these new young smokers, experts say half will become long-term users, and half of those will die from the addiction.

Tobacco companies, claim to support "youth smoking reduction" - but tend to support programs known to be ineffective - while lobbying aggressively against evidence-based measures that might reduce smoking among young people.   

Protecting Children from Tobacco, a national coalition of health, medical, child welfare, educational, church, social equity, community and research organisations, wants effective  action  to protect children from tobacco - and no "but(t)s". 

 

In and out of kids' faces: NSW convenience store 2006.... and supermarket 2010

See Tobacco in and out of sight in retail outlets:  more pics

NSW: Seen a possible breach of the out-of-sight retail laws? 
Call the Tobacco Info line to report it:  1800 357 412   or email  tobacco@doh.health.nsw.gov.au

 
AIMS

The aims below are endorsed by  PROTECTING CHILDREN FROM TOBACCO:  
42 child welfare, education, health, church, indigenous, disability, equity and research organisations including ASH.  We want legislation to ensure:


ASH Australia also supports: 

  • Better funding of campaigns to reduce smoking
    Especially among children; but note that reducing smoking among young adults will help to achieve this, since teenagers emulate what they see young adults do or what they think young adults do. 

  • Stronger action against tobacco promotion in films 
    Young people seeing smoking in films tend  to smoke more. Most top Australian movies show smoking. We want to reduce this impact by mandating "counter-ads" before any film with smoking, and by ensuring appropriate c,lassification of tobacco use as for other drug-takin g. See Cancer Council NSW page on  Smoking in movies

  • An end to devious tobacco promotion under different names. 
    See some of Big Tobacco's latest dubious  marketing ploys  

 

NEWS                           and see latest  RESEARCH below

... FROM AUSTRALIA

Plain packs start to take effect
 December 2011: Australia's tobacco plain packaging bills are enacted. The law will take full effect by December 1, 2012 when all tobacco packs on shelves will be as seen here. The tobacco industry pursues High Court challenges, though seen by independent legal experts as unlikely to succeed.  Latest on  plain packaging 

 

Tobacco going out of sight in Queensland shops
 November 2011: Tobacco products are going out of sight in all Queensland retail outlets. Tobacco display will not be permitted in any general retail outlet in Australia when SA laws come into force on 1 Jan 2012. Health groups have welcomed the move as an important step in protecting children from tobacco promotion. Qld tobacco retailing laws  Heart Foundation Qld release 14/10/11   Cancer Council Qld release 14/10/11   State/territory rundown: STEPS IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

 

Tas makes alfrescoes, bus shelters, sport events smokefree; ends shop display
November 2011: The Tasmanian parliament has approved smokefree laws covering all public dining areas, bus shelters, sporting events and children's playgrounds. Display exemptions for tobacconists will also end, putting tobacco out of sight in all retail outlets. The new laws take effect from March 2012. ABC online / Tasmanian Times 11/11/11   The changes extend Tasmania's smokefree areas to include crowded places much frequented by children, including:
• public swimming pools and between the flags at beaches,
• pedestrian and bus malls, in and within 3m of bus shelters,
• in and within 10m of children’s playgrounds,
• in outdoor dining areas, and
• within 3m of outdoor dining areas not surrounded by a smoke-impervious screen at least 2.1m high.
All outdoor sporting venues will be smokefree from 30mins before to 30mins after any organised sporting event - smoking not permitted within 20 metres of any permanent or temporary public seating, marshalling and warmup areas, podiums or other parts of the venue reserved for competitors or officials, or any part of the venue used to conduct the sport.   Tasmanian Times 21/11/11


ACT makes cars carrying children smokefree
 October 2011: The ACT Assembly passes legislation to ban smoking in cars carrying children under 16 years, to take effect from the beginning of 2012.  ABC News 21/10/11

BAT tells tobacco plain packs hearing it's about "adult choice"

2011: British American Tobacco chief David Crow tells a parliamentary hearing into plain packaging of tobacco the issue is about "adult choice".  "Remember that we are talking about a smoker who has chosen to smoke. They are 18 and over; they are an adult." Inquiry site including transcript 4/8/11  Wrong. Most smokers start well before they reach 18. Average age of smoking uptake in Australia in just under 16. A key aim of plain packaging is to deter youth uptake.  More on  Plain packaging


Brisbane central mall smokefree from September
2011: Brisbane's central Queen Street Mall will be 100% smokefree from September 1. Already smokefree by state law are outdoor eating areas, shopping centres, patrolled beaches, playgrounds, sports stadiums. Health groups seek addition of transport waiting areas. Brisbane Courier Mail 23/7/11


Sydney Easter Show goes smokefree

2011: Sydney's Royal Easter Show implements smokefree policy, limits smoking to outdoor designated smoking areas away from main thoroughfares. Follows several years of advocacy by  Non-Smokers' Movement of Australia and ASH, who have welcomed the move.  See WHO  Guide to Tobacco-Free Mega Events

 

NT moves to end tobacco retail display and make dining areas smokefree
2011: Northern Territory law now in force makes all staffed/serviced public eating areas smokefree, ends retail display of tobacco products, licenses tobacco retailers. NT also considers banning smoking at youth events and in cars carrying children. See  NT tobacco reforms  and  FAQs on retail reforms


ACT public dining, drinking areas smokefree

2010: All public food service, dining and drinking areas in the ACT are now smokefree - the second jurisdiction after Queensland to do so.  Details at  ACT Health    Policy welcomed when announced by  SmokeFree Australia release 2/6/09    Australian state and territory  LEGISLATION 

 

NSW proposes smokefree dining in discussion paper
 2010: The NSW government proposed statewide smokefree dining among possible reforms in its 2011-16 Tobacco Strategy released for public input. This will await action by the NSW government after March 2011 elections.  See  discussion paper    NSW dining venues support statewide smokefree alfresco law: Sydney Morning Herald 20/11/10   and  Heart Foundation release 20/11/10


Victoria gets first smokefree mall as support grows
 2010: Victoria has its first smokefree shopping mall - in Frankston - as support for smokefree places increases.  More... 

Regional health workers battle Big Tobacco to protect children
 2010:  What's needed to counter tobacco industry interference in regional and Australian health: ASH and others comment.   The Australian 6/11/10  and see  ASH action guide

WA smokefree reforms come into effect

2010: Tobacco reforms in force in Western Australia. All unlicensed and 50% of licensed outdoor eating areas smokefree; smoking banned in cars carrying children under 17, within 10m of children's playgrounds and in patrolled beach areas; tobacco out of sight in all retail outlets. See  AAP/PerthNow report 22/9/10  See  WA bill and explanation  under T:  "Tobacco...2008"

 

Hobart malls go smokefree
2010:  Three major pedestrian malls in Hobart are smokefree from August 1,  thanks to Hobart City Council.  Hobart City Council media release 1/8/10   The move was backed by very strong community and business support.    ABC news report 2/12/09 


Governments urged to end shop displays as new study shows child impact
2010: 41-member Protecting Children from Tobacco coalition urges all governments to push ahead with comprehensive retail tobacco display bans, as Stanford University study confirms shop ads raise child smoking uptake.  PCT release 23/7/10  with link to study and factsheet


Tobacco goes out of sight in NSW shops - except tobacconists

2010: Tobacco products must be out of view in all NSW shops except approved tobacconists, who must comply with new display limits. Tobacco vending machines are limited to licensed venues by token with proof of age.  Breaches: report to toll-free infoline 1800-357-412.   
Details at  NSWhealth   and  the  regulations  with tobacconist provisions at pp. 19-20

 

South Australia will ban general retail tobacco display by 2012
 2010: South Australia has announced it will end retail tobacco displays (possibly excepting tobacconists) by January 2012. All Australian jurisdictions have now committed to this (except some have exemptions/delays for specialist tobacconists).  SA Health Minister's release 31/5/10

Queensland to put tobacco out of sight in shops
2010: Queensland Government committed to legislate to put tobacco out of sight in all retail outlets by mid-2011.  Health Minister release 29/4/10  and  Cancer Council Qld release 29/4/10

Call to protect pregnant women from secondhand smoke after studies show foetal  harm
2010: Health, child welfare groups step up call for dining/drinking areas and other workplaces 100% smokefree after major global review of 76 studies on SHS impact on pregnancy confirms lower birthweight, increased abnormalities. ASH / Protecting Children release 12/2/10   and  review abstract    

 

Victorian children safe from smoke in cars
2010:  Cars carrying children under 18 now smokefree in Victoria - as in SA, Tas, NSW. Tobacco to be out of sight in Victoria's general shops from Jan 2011; no cigarette sales from temporary outlets; no tobacco products targeting young people.   bill as introduced    and   Victorian government strategy

 

Queensland protects children from smoke in cars
2010: Cars carrying children under 16 are smokefree by law - and the state government empowers local councils to make shopping centres and bus stops smokefree.  See  Brisbane Times report 30/10/09     See  Queensland tobacco laws


Study of smoke harm for children shows urgency of smokefree public places 
2009: Study showing secondhand smoke harm to toddlers' blood vessels shows need for public places, especially outdoor dining, to be 100% smokefree. Protecting Children from Tobacco urges all jurisdictions to follow Queensland example.  See  Protecting Children from Tobacco media release 24/11/09 


Tobacco's new discount and promotion push
2009: Tobacco companies push new discount offers and induce retailers to promote them. Health groups call for overdue tax increase and closing loopholes to stop the new drive to hook 'em young.  See  ASH media release 4/7/09  

 

Wagga beats BAT to protect children, workers 

2009: Wagga City Council (NSW) applauded for pushing ahead with smokefree playgrounds and alfrescos despite aggressive tobacco industry interference. See  ASH media release 31/3/09    ASH wrote to Councillors answering misleading campaign by tobacco giant BAT.  See   ASH media release 27/11/08       See   excerpts from BATA letter and ASH response 

 

Meanwhile community support continues to soar for smokefree dining.  See NSW survey findings in  Aust & NZ Journal of Public Health article

 

Tobacco industry's tricky fashion ploy
2008: Cigarettes sold in upmarket fashion and hair outlets in Imperial Tobacco campaign to lure young people into smoking. Promotion later withdrawn after public protests. See SA Sunday Mail 14/12/08 

QANTAS stops pushing tobacco
2008: After campaign by ASH and other concerned groups and individuals, QANTAS stopped trial promotion of duty-free cigarettes on in-flight trolleys in view of children. QANTAS congratulated for its responsible decision. See earlier  ASH media release


.... FROM OVERSEAS

Wales cleans up playground smoking

December 2011: Children's playgrounds are going 100% smokefree in Wales - also hospital and health settings and schoolgrounds. The British Lung Foundation has called for additional policies including mandatory smokefree cars carrying children. Wales Online 6/12/11  

British PM changes mind, will consider smokefree cars carrying children
November 2011: British PM David Cameron says he's changed his mind about smoke-free laws in UK pubs, admits the law "has worked", and will now consider a move to make cars carrying children smoke-free by law. BBC News 2/11/11

Philip Morris tries to get hold of confidential child interviews
September 2011: Philip Morris used Freedom of Information to seek access to thousands of confidential university interviews with children about smoking. The under-16s were promised only bona fide researchers would see their responses. The move coincides with an anonymous hate campaign against uni tobacco researchers. Independent, UK 1/9/11    Philip Morris later appeared to have dropped its FOI claim: Independent 26/11/11  

200,000+ child deaths a year worldwide from secondhand smoke
 2010:  Secondhand tobacco smoke (SHS) kills over 600,000 people a year, over a third children, says global study in The Lancet. The deaths were 1% of world mortality. Adult SHS deaths spread across nations of all income; poorer countries have higher proportions of child deaths. See  abstract

Smokefree workplaces cut preterm births, maternal smoking
2010: Study shows maternal smoking fell by 37%, preterm births by 23% in Pueblo, Colorado US after indoor public/workplaces went smokefree 2006 - unlike surrounding areas not doing it. Authors find "implementing strong tobacco control policy can protect even the most vulnerable."  See  abstract

Chinese people want smokefree public places
2010:  Comprehensive smokefree policies in public places - particularly schools, public transport and hospitals - are widely supported by both non-smokers and smokers in China, says a six-city study. Strong concern about secondhand smoke health impacts.  See  summary  and  study 

Finland legislates to put tobacco out of sight in shops
2010: Finland has become the fourth country to ban tobacco product displays in shops by national law.   See  Medical News Today report 22/8/10     See  where else it's been done

UK health experts propose making cars and child-accessible public areas smokefree
2010: Private cars and children's outdoor meeting places should be smokefree by law, says Royal College of Physicians' report to government. Secondhand smoke a "major threat" to children's health demanding full protection. See  UK Telegraph report 24/3/10   See  RCP report 2010

Ireland puts tobacco out of sight in shops     
2009: Irish Republic puts tobacco out of sight in shops along with other measures to protect children including: introduction of a closed container / dispenser provision; tighter controls on location and operation of vending machines; and introduction of a retail register. Details at  ASH Ireland  

BAT accused of targeting African children
2008: Check this BBC documentary on British American Tobacco targeting African children with tobacco promotion. Is this a socially responsible corporate citizen?  "We don't want children to smoke" (now where have we heard that before?) - see  BAT response

UK doctors urge governments to protect children
2008: British Medical Association urges UK governments to reduce promotion of tobacco to children in retail, films and other entertainment; calls for a total out-of-sight policy for tobacco in shops and proactive measures to counter positive smoking images.     See  BMA release 6/7/08 with link to full report 

Scotland plans smokefree future including protecting children
 2008: Shop displays of cigarettes to end as part of Scottish Government's continuing drive to stop smoking and tobacco promotion to children. See  Scottish government plan   

 

RESEARCH EVIDENCE   for protecting children from tobacco smoke and promotion

 

Children of smoking dads more likely to develop leukaemia
December 2011: Children whose fathers smoked at time of conception have 15% higher risk of developing acute lymphoblastic leukaemia - the most common childhood cancer. The study was led 
by Australia's Telethon Institute for Child Health Research (a partner in Protecting Children from Tobacco).  Daily Mail Online 15/12/11     Study abstract 

 

Movie smoking boosts teen smoking across cultures
 2011: Study of over 16,000 European teenagers shows exposure to smoking in films increases their likelihood of smoking by up to 70%, independent of cultural context. Authors say limiting youth exposure to movie smoking "could have important public health implications".  Abstract   


Secondhand exposure may increase children's lead levels

2011: Study of almost 7000 US children and young adults aged 3-19 years shows tobacco exposure raising lead levels in the blood by as much as 28%. Lead levels can cause permanent learning impairment. Authors suggest eliminating secondhand exposure.  Abstract

 

Secondhand smoke harms DNA, teen hearing
 2011: Two new studies show  passive smoking causes genetic harm increasing risk of stillbirth and defects; and can almost double teen hearing loss. Boosts call for state and local governments to make crowded public places including alfresco dining areas 100% smokefree by law.  Protecting Children from Tobacco (42 NGOs) release 21/7/11 


Tobacco tax rise halves Hong Kong high school smoking rate
 2011: Smoking among Hong Kong secondary students has fallen by more than 50% after a sharp tobacco tax rise, says a University of Hong Kong study. See  media report 28/4/11  


Menthol used to deceive and addict young smokers
2011: Industry documents analysed in Tobacco Control  show tobacco companies have deliberately used menthol "to attract inexperienced smokers who... perceive them to be less harmful..." Included documents from Philip Morris, BAT, Imperial and more. See  abstract  with link to full study

 

Secondhand smoke linked with worse child mental health

2011: Secondhand smoke exposure "associated with poorer mental health among children". Study of over 900 non-smoking Scottish children (average 8 yrs) finds those with higher measured exposure do significantly worse in testing, particularly in hyperactivity and conduct disorders.  See  study abstract   

 

Secondhand smoke gives kids high blood pressure 
 2011:  Research finding from German study of SHS impact on preschoolers adds weight to the call for smokefree public places.    Quit Vic release 12/1/11 

 

Children at risk from smoke in flats

2010: Children in multi-unit housing are at higher risk from tobacco smoke and show significant exposure even if their own homes have no smoking, says US study of over 5000 children. Authors suggest adoption of smokefree building policies.   See  abstract

 

Going Smokefree does not harm dining trade but may help child brains: new studies

2010: New research confirms smokefree reforms do no harm to dining trade - but may help protect children's mental health. Protecting Children from Tobacco steps up call for 100% smokefree dining laws at both state and local levels.  See  Protecting Children from Tobacco NGO coalition release 10/12/10  

 

"Encouraging signs" retail display ban denormalises smoking

2010: Three-year study before and after out-of-sight retail policy in the Irish Republic shows high compliance and support . Adult and teen recall of displays "dropped significantly" and "encouraging signs that the law helped de-normalise smoking."   See  study in Tobacco Control

  

Child smoke exposure linked to ADHD, stuttering, headaches
2010: Study shows children exposed to secondhand tobacco smoke increase risk of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, stuttering and headaches. Findings boost calls to protect children from smoke in private and public places.  See  APACT conference media release 8/10/10

 

Tobacco smoke the No. 1 factor in SIDS deaths

2010: Study of 123 Sudden Infant Death Syndrome fatalities 1996-2008 shows secondhand smoke exposure is the leading factor, 73% having smoke present in the household or in pregnancy.   See  NSW Children's Commission release 6/10/10    Smoke harms babies' brains to cause SIDS: 2009  study, report 

 

Scotland's smokefree laws slash child asthma hospitalisations
 2010:  Since Scotland made enclosed public places smokefree (2006), child asthma hospital admissions fell sharply. 9-year study of all <15yo admissions after indoor restaurants, pubs, sports/entertainment venues made smokefree shows 5%+pa increase became 18% fall.  See  abstract

 

Secondhand smoke and heredity combine to increase child allergy development risk
 2010: Children with family allergy history + early SHS exposure have “highly increased odds” of allergy development. Study of 4,000 four-year-olds says problem “essential and urgent" as "not... self chosen, possibly giving life lasting negative health effects and... possible to reduce.”  See  full study

Retail tobacco display raises child smoking uptake risk
2010: Study of smoking over time by over 1600 children aged 11-14 shows exposure to retail tobacco raises risk of uptake by 60%. Authors support policies to "limit adolescents' exposure to retail cigarette advertising."  See  abstract     Confirms previous research:  NZ study 2009  on 14-15 year old impact;  see ASH release 2/6/06  with link to Australian research on likely impact       

Mothers' secondhand exposure raises babies' lifelong cancer risk
2010: Pregnant women exposed to secondhand smoke give birth to babies with increased lifelong cancer susceptibility, says study in Open Paediatric Medicine.  See  abstract with full study link 

Smokefree laws can cut child smoke exposure by 40%
J2010: Smokefree laws cut exposure of children from smokefree homes by 40%, says Pediatrics  review of over 11,000 non-smoking children and youths 3-19yrs. Finds "smoke-free laws are an effective strategy for reducing [exposure]..."  See  abstract  and  escience news 6/6/10

Passive smoking harm to children's health
2010: UK report in Practitioner shows child smoke exposure causes around 300,000 GP consultations a year in the UK, mostly for middle ear disease and asthma; about 5,000 miscarriages, 300 perinatal deaths and 2,200 premature births; more than doubles SIDS death risk.   See  report

UK health experts propose making cars and child-accessible public areas smokefree
2010: Private cars and outdoor places where children gather should be smokefree by law, says Royal College of Physicians' report to UK government. Secondhand smoke a "major threat" to children's health; they should be fully protected. See  UK Telegraph report 24/3/10   See  RCP report 2010

Even low smoke exposure may harden teen arteries
2010: Study of young teenagers shows even low-level exposure to tobacco smoke may lead to atherosclerosis (hardening arteries). Study of almost 500 13-year-olds in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, called for children to be protected from all exposure.  See  abstract

Protection of pregnant women from secondhand smoke call after studies show foetal  harm
2010: Health and child welfare groups step up call for smokefree dining/drinking areas after major international review of 76 studies on impact of passive smoking on pregnancy confirms it causes lower birthweight and abnormalities. See   ASH / PCT media release 12/2/10   and  review abstract    

Study confirms unsafe exposure in smoky alfrescoes
2009:  Study of air quality in outdoor dining areas of 12 Perth cafes and 16 pubs finds smoke particles averaging twice the recommended exposure limits. The study found just two people smoking create health risk - especially to children and people with heart or respiratory conditions.   See  study

Babies' exposure boosts adult emphysema risk
2009: Prenatal and postnatal exposure of babies to secondhand smoke increases their risk of emphysema as adults, says a study of 1700 non-smokers in the American Journal of Epidemiology.  See  study abstract 

Secondhand exposure doubles children's lung cancer risk
 2009:  Secondhand smoke exposure during childhood associated with a more than doubled lung cancer risk among never smokers, says study in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention.  See  study abstract

Secondhand smoke doubles and worsens chronic rhinosinusitis
2009: Childhood or current exposure to secondhand smoke more than doubles risk of chronic rhinosinusitis, suggests Johns Hopkins University study in American Journal of Rhinology and Allergy. Severity of the disease may also be worsened.  See  study abstract

Study of smoke harm for children shows urgency of smokefree public places 
2009: A study showing secondhand smoke harm to blood vessels of toddlers shows why we need public places - especially outdoor dining areas - 100% smokefree.  See 
Protecting Children from Tobacco media release 24/11/09  

Secondhand smoke exposure increases preschoolers' behaviour problems
2009: Survey of parents of over 5000 pre-schoolers in Bavaria shows exposure to secondhand smoke at home increases reported incidence of hyperactivity/inattentiveness behaviour problems - more than doubling incidence in children most exposed. See abstract  

Next steps in regulating tobacco retail: review
2009: Tobacco retailing still largely unregulated, FCTC treaty only partly addressing - contrasts with pharmaceuticals and other restricted goods and services. International review asks why and renews debate on retail outlet limits, price controls, purchase caps and licensing restrictions. See abstract   

Children's passive smoking may clog their arteries at an early age
2009:  Not just older arteries are clogged by secondhand smoke, says European Heart Journal study - children can suffer this. Australian health and child welfare groups call for all child-accessible areas to be smokefree. See  Protecting Children from Tobacco release 24/7/09  with link to study abstract

 

Watching smoky movies can double teen uptake
2009: Exposure to high levels of smoking scenes in movies can double smoking uptake between early teens and young adulthood, says a US study in Pediatrics journal. 1,790 non-smoking children aged 10-14, tracked for seven years.  See  study     

Retailer arguments defending tobacco displays slammed by NZ report
2008: Research review assesses retailer arguments against out-of-sight policy as “contradictory, flawed and unsupported by evidence.”  The same arguments have been put to Australian governments by tobacco dealers.  See  ASH media release 2/7/08     See  NZMJ study abstract    See NZ legislative review   

Study shows smoking in cars hazardous to health
2008: Smoking in cars a serious health risk to occupants, especially children; ventilation doesn't stop it. After just one cigarette smoked in 18 different cars, worst examples smokier than indoor-smoking bars.    See  Canada TV report      See  full study  

Tobacco displays undermine quitting
2007: Australian study shows quit attempts undermined by tobacco displays in shops.   See  ASH / Protecting Children for Tobacco media release 22/11/07 

 

 

Aims and endorsing organisations

RESOURCES                        

FACTSHEETS on Protecting Children from Tobacco: 
 
Brief 2-page  Summary  of the retail display issue
Why tobacco displays should be banned
Top ten myths against out of sight tobacco  - retailers misleading our governments
Leading adman says: Product display is advertising
No exceptions, no exemptions
Why children should not sell tobacco
The case for licensing tobacco sellers
 Kids in smoky cars

See also our 2006 factsheet Tobacco Facts on retail display


Smokefree multi-unit housing: a guide for owners, tenants, agents, authorities and governments
ASH Australia (2011). Step-by-step guide to taking action for better protection of children from secondhand smoke drifting into flats, units, townhouses, retirement villages, public/community housing. Secondhand smoke health  evidence, action tips, success stories, personal experience, resources. How to get these homes smokefree.

Protecting everyone from secondhand smoke: WHO policy guidelines 
The World Health Organization's (2007) policy guidelines on  Protection from Exposure to Second-hand Tobacco Smoke  summarise the health risks of SHS and outline effective strategies to protect everyone from it - including children. 

Tobacco displays: mini-documentary
The Cancer Society of New Zealand has produced a mini-documentary called Out of Sight, Out of Mind  on the effects of tobacco displays. View  trailer and link to full version

Tear Down the Walls  
2008 comment piece in the Ottawa Citizen makes a very good, reasoned analysis of why tobacco display "powerwalls" have so much impact on kids and why they should be removed.   See  the article 


STEPS IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION   

TOBACCO OUT OF SIGHT IN SHOPS:
  
Australia 
 All Australian states and territories have now ended tobacco display in general retail outlets from January 2012. But some jurisdictions have delays/exemptions for specialist retailers. 
 
- ACT: IN FORCE all retailers - general (end-2009); tobacconists (end-2010)
- NSW: IN FORCE large shops (end-2009), smaller shops (July 2010); tobacconists by mid-2013 
- WA: IN FORCE all retailers (Sept. 2010) - except one tobacconist (under review)
- NT: IN FORCE all retailers (Jan. 2011)
- Victoria: IN FORCE general shops (Jan. 2011); except tobacconists, airport duty-free (no deadline) 
- Tasmania: IN FORCE general (Feb. 2011), tobacconists (from March 2012) 
- Queensland: IN FORCE, all outlets (Nov. 2011)
- SA: IN FORCE general shops (Jan. 2012); specialist tobacconists exempt until end-2014

Worldwide trend   see  roundup  from Smokefree Action (UK)  and  Finland report in Medical News Today 22/8/10
5 countries (Iceland, Thailand, Ireland, Finland, Canada), and the British Virgin Islands have adopted laws to prohibit the visible display of tobacco products at point of sale. Iceland was the first, in 2001. The Canadian province of Saskatchewan followed suit in 2002, Thailand in 2005, Ireland in 2009, Finland 2010 - see report. New Zealand first rejected it but is now actively reconsidering.

LICENSING:   
SA, WA, Tas and ACT require tobacco sellers to be licensed. NSW has passed a very limited "negative" licensing scheme.

CARS CARRYING CHILDREN SMOKEFREE:   
In force in SA, Tasmania, NSW, Victoria, WA, Queensland, ACT (various ages 16-18). 
This leaves only the NT yet to act. At least three countries and many US and Canadian jurisdictions have also enacted it.  See latest  World roundup

SMOKEFREE CHILD-ACCESSIBLE PUBLIC PLACES AND EVENTS:        
See ASH smokefree public places webpage  
Queensland state smokefree law covers outdoor dining areas, children's playgrounds, beaches and some other areas. Tas has promised similar reforms by 2012. WA has legislated to make smokefree most outdoor dining areas, as well as playgrounds and patrolled beaches (further review in process). Qld, ACT, NT and Tas have made public dining areas smokefree, and WA partly. ACT and NSW have protected underage events from smoke. ACT and Victoria have smokefree schoolgrounds. Other public places have been protected from smoke by many local councils, especially in NSW.

VENDING MACHINES AND TEMPORARY OUTLETS:   
ACT has banned tobacco vending machines; NSW has limited it to ID-token system, Tas promising same; NSW and Victoria have banned tobacco sales from temporary/mobile structures at  festivals and other events.

PRODUCTS TARGETING YOUTH:
Several jurisdictions have acted against individual youth-targeted products; all states and territories agreed to prohibit the sale of fruit- and confectionery-flavoured cigarettes by end-2009. Banning menthol as a youth-appealing flavouring is starting to come under consideration in some states.

CHILDREN SELLING TOBACCO:
Only proposed so far in WA (2011). Unlike alcohol, there has been little or no movement to prohibit under-18 staff from selling tobacco products. Some major supermarkets have policies to this effect. Smaller retailers have argued that the impact on small family businesses would be too great.    

ILLEGAL SUPPLY TO CHILDREN

Even though it's illegal to supply cigarettes to children, over 140,000 Australian school children are weekly smokers - and 23% obtain their cigarettes from retailers - including over a third of 16-17-year-olds.  See National Drug Strategy's  Smoking behaviours of Australian secondary students (2005)

 

Follow these links for more information for school students and staff;   for tertiary students and staff;  for parents. 

Tips for taking tobacco action

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Page last updated 30/1/12