The World Health Organization has called for a ban on smoking and vaping in schools.
The WHO says young people continue to be "relentlessly" targeted with tobacco and nicotine products, and that the tobacco industry's approach has resulted in increased use of e-cigarettes, with nine out of 10 smokers starting before the age of 18, some as early as 11.
WHO says considering that children spend nearly one-third of their waking hours in school, and much of the peer pressure they encounter occurs within these educational environments, schools play a pivotal role in shaping their lives.
It says schools are in a uniquely powerful position to play a major role in reducing the serious problem of smoking and other tobacco and nicotine use by kids.
The WHO reports that there has been a rise in novel and emerging tobacco and nicotine products – including electronic cigarettes.
It says these products have been made more affordable for young people owing to the sale of single-use cigarettes and e-cigarettes, which also typically lack health warnings.
