Singapore Forum : Curbing Smoking Addiction
Smoking addictions is one of the growing problems in Singapore.
Findings from a report highlighted a rising trend of young female
smokers aged 18-29 years, with an increasing smoking rate from 5.2%
in 1998 to 6.6% in 2004. [12] Furthermore, according to statistics
in 2007, daily smoking was most prevalent in young adults aged 18
to 29 years (17.2%).
Hence, we have decided to try tackling this problem by coming up
with several ideas.
The ideas are as follows:
This has already been implemented in several countries around
the globe. For example, Japan has implemented this measure and only
those who own a taspo card is able to purchase the cigarettes from
the vending machines.
Our idea is to adopt this measure and further modify it to
remove the limitations of the current measure.
Advantages:
Limitations:
Modifications:
This double checks that no minors are able to purchase the
cigarettes. Even if they steal the cards from adults, they are
unable to purchase them. Such acts would be detected and these
minors will be sent for counselling.
In addition to that, it also double checks the identity of the
consumer. This would enable us to take acton on those who purchase
cigarettes excessively in a day.
Shop owners would be the ones replenishing the stocks of the
vending machines. They would still be able to attain the profits
gained from the sale of cigarettes from the vending machines.
Hence, the shop owers won't incur a huge loss anymore.
2. Establishment of anti-smoking camp
Smokers would get psychological support from fellow smoker and
certified hypnotherapists. According to research quoted on the
Hypnosis Network site, "studies shows that a single session
hypnosis treatment to stop smoking produces about a 25% success
rate, whreas about 66% of those engaging in at least 4-5 sessions
of hypnosis quit smoking after a 6-12 month period. (Hammond 1990,
p 407).
In this camp, they would get the aid and psychological support
which they require, thereby making it easier for them to quit
smoking as they constantly receive encouragements from fellow
smokers or the certified hypnotherapists.
Advantages:
Make it easier for them to share their thoughts and feelings to
people who have gone through the same kind of situation as them.
They also know that they are not going through it along. It also
allows them to get a lot of support from a lot of people,
especially family and friends.
Consultation by professionals would help them realise their
mistakes in their lifestyle. They are aware of the many options
whereby they can live their lives.
Limitations:
Professionals are hired to monitor the smokers' progress after
and during camp.
They have a fear that it may be too tough. They may also feel a
social stigma that the society does not tolerate smokers.
Modifications:
Professionals who are truly passionate about helping smoker kick
the habit or reduce on their intake of cigarettes. Hence, we do not
neeed to spend money on hiring them.
Another method to assist current smokers to kick the habit.
Those who cannot afford the camp can call the hotlines to guide
them through their intention of kicking the habit.
3. Setting up a police force that specializes in operations to
curb illegal sales
Presently, operations to curb illegal sales of cigarettes are
conducted by neighbourhood police centres and their efforts are
inarguably not coordinated. Most of the operations are also
conducted by general officers, who might not have the expertise and
experience on tackling such problems.
Advantages:
The officers would be more specialized and trained in these
aspects. They are more skilled in tackling and handling such
problems.
This shows that the government takes this problem seriously as
they are willing to set up a branch specifically to attend to such
problems.
Limitations:
They would have to send the police officers for training. They
would also have to recruit more officers and hence, increasing the
amount of salaries that have to be given out.
We have to go through the government before this measure can be
implemented.
Modifications:
This reduces the workload of the police force. However, the
police force would have to train them and have monthly checks on
their progress. This is a good modification because the RC has a
better understanding of the estate that they are in charge of and
they know the community better so it would be easier for them.
We hope that you will give your feedback on which
measure is the most effective and if you think that these measures
are feasible after the modifications that we have made. We would
really appreciate your opinions and ideas on how to further improbe
this project of ours.
BEAMPlified.(:
