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22/06/2005
Survey calls for smoking ban in family homes
Nearly three-quarters of people believe that smoking should be banned in households with children, according to research by Developing Patient Partnerships (DPP).
The survey of 1275 adults, conducted by ICM Research, found that 72% of people questioned were in favour of a ban, including 65% of smokers.
However, the research also found that nearly half of those surveyed were unaware of the impact that smoking has children.
Doctors say that children not only suffer the harmful effects of passive smoking, but that the children of smokers are also more likely to become smokers themselves.
According to the survey, 42% of children live in homes with at least one smoker and a third of smokers admit to smoking around children.
The DPP also found that most people were unaware of how rapidly health improves after giving up smoking. Only 9% of those surveyed were able to give the correct amount of time – 20 minutes – that it takes the body to benefit from quitting.
However, the survey found that 66% of people believed that employers should offer smokers support to help them kick the habit.
The results of the survey have been published to coincide with the launch of the DPP’s ‘Driving Out Smoking’ campaign, which gives smokers and their families practical advice on how to stop smoking.
Commenting on the results, Dr Terry John, DPP spokesperson and GP, said: “These results show how strongly people feel about smoking around children in the home. We want to help people to make the decision themselves about stopping smoking. Parents need practical help that show the positive side of quitting and encouraging the whole family to get healthy together, rather than a law forcing them not to smoke at home.”
The DPP’s campaign has been supported by anti-smoking campaigners, ASH. Deborah Arnott, Director of ASH, said: “Although knowledge about the dangers of passive smoking is growing, many people underestimate the harm that it causes, especially to children. The only way for parents to protect their children from tobacco smoke is by making their homes entirely smokefree.”
(KMcA/SP)
The survey of 1275 adults, conducted by ICM Research, found that 72% of people questioned were in favour of a ban, including 65% of smokers.
However, the research also found that nearly half of those surveyed were unaware of the impact that smoking has children.
Doctors say that children not only suffer the harmful effects of passive smoking, but that the children of smokers are also more likely to become smokers themselves.
According to the survey, 42% of children live in homes with at least one smoker and a third of smokers admit to smoking around children.
The DPP also found that most people were unaware of how rapidly health improves after giving up smoking. Only 9% of those surveyed were able to give the correct amount of time – 20 minutes – that it takes the body to benefit from quitting.
However, the survey found that 66% of people believed that employers should offer smokers support to help them kick the habit.
The results of the survey have been published to coincide with the launch of the DPP’s ‘Driving Out Smoking’ campaign, which gives smokers and their families practical advice on how to stop smoking.
Commenting on the results, Dr Terry John, DPP spokesperson and GP, said: “These results show how strongly people feel about smoking around children in the home. We want to help people to make the decision themselves about stopping smoking. Parents need practical help that show the positive side of quitting and encouraging the whole family to get healthy together, rather than a law forcing them not to smoke at home.”
The DPP’s campaign has been supported by anti-smoking campaigners, ASH. Deborah Arnott, Director of ASH, said: “Although knowledge about the dangers of passive smoking is growing, many people underestimate the harm that it causes, especially to children. The only way for parents to protect their children from tobacco smoke is by making their homes entirely smokefree.”
(KMcA/SP)
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Government to introduce partial smoking ban
The government has announced plans to introduce a partial smoking ban, following reports of a Cabinet row over the proposals. The plans, introduced as part of the Health Improvement Bill, will see smoking banned in all public places in England, but there will be exemptions for pubs, which do not serve food and private members clubs.
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Parents urged to quit smoking for sake of children
New measures have been unveiled today aimed at encouraging parents to give up smoking round their children. As part of the next stage of the NHS campaign to raise awareness of the damaging effect that smoking in the home has on children, new bibs with a secondhand smoking slogan will be made freely available for every baby born in December.
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Tobacco Vending Has Last Cough
The sale of tobacco from vending machines is now prohibited across England. The ban has been introduced to prevent under-age sales to children and to support adults who are trying to quit. Nearly all of adult smokers started smoking before they turned 18 and every year over 300,000 children try smoking for the first time.
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19 February 2009
Teens Hold The Key To Quitting, Ad Campaign Says
A hard-hitting new Smokefree campaign - 'Worried' - launches today. The ads, aimed at parents who smoke, communicate an uncomfortable message to viewers - that teenage children worry about their parents' future due to the harmful health effects of smoking.
Teens Hold The Key To Quitting, Ad Campaign Says
A hard-hitting new Smokefree campaign - 'Worried' - launches today. The ads, aimed at parents who smoke, communicate an uncomfortable message to viewers - that teenage children worry about their parents' future due to the harmful health effects of smoking.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
