JEDDAH — The government's plans to implement stricter regulations on the sale of tobacco are very promising for the fight against smoking. Current statistics on the prevalence of smoking among children and adolescents in the Kingdom are quite alarming, and the ban on cigarette sales to minors may help curb the rising trend of smoking among children. Smoking in the Kingdom is a countrywide problem that is draining the national budget. The government spent SR12 billion to treat smoking-related ailments between the years 2000 and 2004. According to a 2007 study conducted by the Ministry of Health, 24 percent of male students between the ages of 13 and15 and 8 percent of female students smoke in the Kingdom. When children were asked about why they smoke, many replied that it is because they see themselves as adults. Children who are raised in households where either or both parents smoke, develop the misconception that smoking is a normal part of growing up and a sign of adulthood. Furthermore, young boys assume that it is manly and mature to smoke. Abdullah, who will be in grade six next year, said, “My father and three elder brothers smoke, and I wanted to smoke so I could look like them. The first time I tried, I stole some cigarettes and a lighter from my brother's room. I am 12 years old now which means I am a man, and men smoke.” Dr. Naif Bin Muhammad Al-Harbi, a psychologist and professor at University of Taibah in Madinah, cited peer pressure as a leading cause for smoking among children and adolescents. “At this stage, friends have a greater influence on children than parents, and a friend often becomes a teenager's second family, role model, and confidant. Friends may be the number one factor in shaping an adolescent's personality,” said Al-Harbi. “It is quite dangerous when a naïve child gets caught up with a group of friends who encourage unhealthy behavior. The media also plays a major role in promoting smoking as advertisements of a handsome, fit man or a beautiful, thin woman smoking make it look attractive. Such images attract youngsters' attention, and their natural curiosity could drive them to try just one cigarette. Often such curiosity and experimentation can lead to prolonged addiction. Another reason is the myth about nicotine's stimulating effects, like it can improve concentration, memory and intelligence, and can make studying easier,” added Al-Harbi. “A factor that must not be overlooked is the presence of other smokers in the family, especially if it is a parent. Negligence on the part of parents, physical and psychological abuse and lack of education and spirituality at home can all lead to deviant and rebellious behavior such as smoking,” said Al-Harbi.
