The foundation's leadership argues that a consumption ban for those born after a specific year, possibly from 2012 or 2013, would allow for the development of «a generation that grows up without tobacco».
“"The prohibition must be accompanied by changes in advertising and the social environment, so that there is less and less exposure to tobacco."
Although new generations smoke fewer traditional cigarettes, the entity warns that electronic cigarette consumption is replacing this practice. Widespread confusion has been observed among young people, who often mistakenly believe that vaping carries no health risks, partly due to less advertising restriction.
Furthermore, it is warned that these devices can serve as a gateway to other substances, as they «remove fear» and are perceived as «'cool' and associated with leadership values among adolescents». Given this situation, the foundation will intensify its educational campaigns in schools, especially around World No Tobacco Day, on May 31.
Despite supporting the measure, the foundation's leadership acknowledges that its implementation in Spain would not be easy, due to the still very influential «tobacco lobby». It is noted that, unlike the United Kingdom, where tobacco prices are high and restrictions are more severe, in Spain many legislative initiatives advance slowly.
The context of the Canary Islands presents specific characteristics, as tobacco is considered a strategic sector within its economic regime, which complicates regulatory changes. The presence of advertising in various places and the sale of tobacco in gas stations or bazaars, alongside products aimed at minors, facilitate access. Therefore, it is insisted that any law must be accompanied by complementary measures.
