Smoking among schoolchildren on the rise: Expert

Colombo, Nov. 20 (Daily Mirror) - Smoking among schoolchildren is on the increase, according to Consultant Respiratory Physician Dr. Duminda Yasaratne.

Speaking at a media briefing, Dr. Yasaratne said a significant number of students begin experimenting with cigarettes as early as 14 or 15 years of age. 

He cautioned that smoking at such a young age poses a serious risk to long-term respiratory health, contributing to the early onset of lung-related diseases.

As such he invites, Dr. Yasaratne urged parents to be vigilant about behavioural changes in their children. 

He said parents should maintain open communication with their children and provide guidance on the dangers of tobacco use.

He further stressed the need for families to monitor their children's peer groups and online influences, as exposure to social pressure and misleading content about smoking can encourage experimentation.