MARGAO: A sensitization programme on increasing trend of vaping (inhaling of a vapor created by an electronic cigarette) amongst teenagers, was organised for 180 heads of schools and nodal teachers from Bardez and Tiswadi taluka to create awareness among the educational
authorities. Students were also present at the sensitisation programme.
The programme held on Friday was organised by Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (GSCPCR) in collaboration with the Directorate of Education (DoE).
The programme was supported by Rotary Club of Panjim and Goa Dental College and Hospital (GDCH). Dentists from GDCH also addressed the gathering.Rotarian Nester Sequeira, President Rotary Club of
Panjim, and Bossuet D’Silva, Superintendent of Police, Anti Narcotic Cell (ANC) were also present.
“Use of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) may rise to epidemic levels among high school and middle school students in Goa. Schools serve as a key environment for prevention and intervention efforts to address e-cigarette use. Given the growing popularity of this device, there is a need to roll out awareness campaigns about the harms of e-cigarettes,” said Peter F Borges, GSCPCR Chairperson.
Similarly, Borges added, that the same awareness campaign should also educate the public, especially the youngsters about the law, ie Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes (Production, Manufacture, Import, Export, Transport, Sale, Distribution, Storage and Advertisement) Act (PECA).
Dr Kashyap Bandodkar, Junior Resident, GDCH conducted the session on ‘Epidemic of the New World: Tobacco’. Dr Akshatha Gadiyar, Assistant Professor, Dept of Public Health Dentistry, GDCH conducted the session on ‘E Cigarette – An Unresolved Public Health
Concern and Tobacco Counselling & Cessation’.
“The Commission will strengthen the initiative with a strong social media component aimed at reaching teens in addition to comprehensive toolkits for parents, teachers and professionals who work with children on recognizing vapes, and how to talk with their child about the importance of remaining tobacco and nicotine free,” said Borges.
“The Commission has also raised concern about the weak implementation of PECA, leading to easy availability of e-cigarettes through online, retail, convenient stores, stationery shops, near educational institutions in Goa,” Borges added.
The Commission has appealed to report the sale of e-cigarettes on e-commerce site on the health ministry online portal – https://violation-reporting.in/ which facilitates reporting of violations under the PECA.
