Summary
Introduction:
This text presents a policy statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) outlining organizational principles to guide and define the child healthcare system and improve children's health, with a particular focus on tobacco control. The statement highlights the importance of evidence-based public policies to reduce tobacco product use and tobacco smoke exposure among youth.
Key Points:
* Tobacco use and tobacco smoke exposure pose significant health threats to children, adolescents, and adults, with no safe level of exposure.
* The developing brains of children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable to tobacco and nicotine dependence.
* Flavored and alternative tobacco products, such as little cigars, chewing tobacco, and electronic nicotine delivery systems, are increasingly popular among youth.
* Effective tobacco control policies can decrease tobacco's toll on children's health.
* Public policy recommendations include FDA regulation of all tobacco products, adequate funding for tobacco control, and restrictions on tobacco product advertising and promotion.
* Additional recommendations focus on protecting children from tobacco use initiation, tobacco smoke and nicotine exposure, acute nicotine poisoning, and the promotion of comprehensive smoking bans.
Main Message:
The AAP emphasizes the urgent need for evidence-based public policies to protect children from tobacco use and tobacco smoke exposure. The organization calls for increased regulation, funding, and education to combat the negative health impacts of tobacco products on youth. By implementing these policy recommendations, the AAP aims to create a healthier environment for children and reduce tobacco-related health disparities.
Citation
Farber, Harold J., and Kevin E. Nelson. “Public Policy to Protect Children From Tobacco, Nicotine, and Tobacco Smoke.” Pediatrics 136, no. 5 (November 1, 2015): 998–1007. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2015-3109.
