PASYKAF calls for stronger protection of youth from nicotine addiction

As part of World No Tobacco Day, held annually under the auspices of the World Health Organization, the Cypriot organization PASYKAF called for stronger measures to protect children and adolescents from nicotine addiction and the tobacco industry's modern marketing strategies.

The theme of the 2026 campaign is — «Unmasking the Appeal, Combating Nicotine and Tobacco Dependence». Particular attention is being paid to the ways tobacco manufacturers attract young people: through flavorings, bright packaging design, digital advertising and promotion on social media.

PASYKAF said that this day marked the culmination of a month-long information campaign devoted to the consequences of tobacco and nicotine product use, the risks of new types of products and the need to strengthen public health measures in Cyprus.

The organization's Director for Prevention and Social Marketing, Georgia Orfanou, stressed that PASYKAF has been implementing smoking prevention and child protection programs from tobacco exposure for decades. Today, particular attention is being given to preventing the initiation of nicotine product use among young people, as well as supporting adults who wish to give up the harmful habit.

According to the organization, smoking and the use of new nicotine products increase the risk of lung cancer, bladder cancer, head and neck diseases, as well as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Additional concern is caused by the spread of non-nicotine tobacco products, which remain accessible to minors due to existing legislative gaps.

According to Eurobarometer data for 2024, the use of new nicotine-containing products continues to grow in Europe, while the problem of passive smoking remains relevant. These trends are also observed in Cyprus.

In this regard, PASYKAF supports WHO recommendations to ban flavorings and restrict advertising of tobacco products, especially online and on social media, and also calls on the authorities to modernize legislation in order to more effectively protect children and young people from nicotine addiction.