Most of the adult users of tobacco start tobacco use in childhood or adolescence. Therefore, it is imperative to understand the key factors influencing teenagers to start consuming tobacco products at that early stage.

Tobacco use has become serious problem among children in developing countries and especially India. India is second largest consumer of tobacco globally and about 20 million children of ages 10–14 are estimated to be tobacco-addicted according to a survey done by the National Sample Survey Organization of the Indian Government.

Caritas India observed Anti-Tobacco day to spread awareness among the children about ill effects of the tobacco’s and gutkha at Shree Gadge Maharaj Vidyalay, Kurla West, Mumbai on June 27, 2017. Funded by Tata Social Welfare Trust, the programme Health Action Program for Progress of Youth (HAPPY) aims to promote health and combat substance use/abuse among youth in 40 schools.

The event was marked to spread the awareness among the children about ill effects of the tobacco’s and gutkha. 64 students along with the special teachers, project coordinator and trainer of HAPPY project staff participated in the event.

Mrs. Varsha Sonawane, Project Coordinator of HAPPY shared the purpose of the programme and stressed that “prevention is better than cure, as we should know the ill effects of the tobacco and Gutkha which is common in our area”.

Dr. Roomani Shrivastav from Indian Cancer Society (ICS) interacted with the children about personal health and hygiene. She also emphasized on ill effects of the tobacco and gutkha. A video documentary was screened on cancer and its impact. She informed that ICS gives counselling and support for all those who want to get rid of tobacco.

Stressing majorly on chewing tobacco and gutkha, she informed that internal as well as external factors are contributing towards this addiction. Adolescents often get attracted to tobacco products due to family environment, peer pressure and surrounding of the child. Social media, Television and role model of the children especially hero’s and celebrities influence children to fall for tobacco very easily. She insisted children to say “NO” to tobacco and gutkha.

Slogan writing and drawing competition was organized during the event. Class 10 students participated in the slogan writing on Anti-Tobacco and other participated in the drawing competition.

Mr. Gode, principal of the school awarded prizes to the children as a token of appreciation.