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JAKARTA (20 July 2020) - There are three efforts to prevent children from becoming smokers that must be supported by all parties concerned, so that they can become a generation with bright future.
This was conveyed by the Indonesian Minister of Social Affairs, Juliari P. Batubara in a webinar that was attended by 400 children. The webinar was held by the Indonesian Child Protection Agency (LPAI) with the theme "Protection and Fulfillment of Children's Rights from Cigarette Culture during the COVID-19 Pandemic" to commemorate the National Children Day (Hari Anak Nasional/HAN) in 2020, Monday (20/7/2020).
Limiting access to purchase cigarettes for children is not enough. On the contrary, children can buy cigarettes easily; they can even buy just one cigarette.
The view that children who smoke look cooler, more stylish, more mature, and more manly needs to be changed.
"We have to learn from our neighboring country, Singapore. There, children's access to cigarettes is very strict, even people who smoke are considered strange," said Social Minister Juliari.
Second, smoking is an entry point for drug abuse, especially, if the family environment, school, and other environments cannot take any precaution. In the next stage, children will be vulnerable to becoming drug users such as marijuana, methamphetamine and MDMA.
Parents and all related parties needs to be reminded that if children fall into smoking from an early age, it will not only damage their brain but also their future.
"We have to do our best to keep our children from bad habits. If that happens, it will make the family and everyone sad," said Juliari.
Third, we have to increase cigarette prices and excise. The Early Intervention Program and the superior human resources that the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo always put forward will be achieved if an anti-smoking prevention program is also available.
Anti-smoking prevention for children must start with parents by always reminding them of the dangers of smoking and giving the understanding that smoking is an entry point for drug abuse.
"In the future, life is full of competition. The children who can survive are those who stay away from negative things and our nation will not be a winning nation if the children do not win against smoking," said Juliari.
The Social Minister Juliari also conveyed a message to parents to always provide good life lessons for their children. Wealth will not always guarantee the children happiness.
"Give them legacy on keeping the good values. Teach children to be humble and listen to people who are more experienced or older," said Juliari.
"I say, Happy National Children's Day 2020, Protected Children, Advanced Indonesia," concluded Minister of Social Juliari in the webinar.
Public Relations Bureau
Ministry of Social RI
