A very positive statistic to come out of a recent survey of secondary school children in the UK is the decline in the amount of students who smoke or even have tried cigarettes. The most recent survey in a series that began in the 1980s, indicates just 16% of the pupils have ever smoked tobacco, down from 19% in 2016 and 49% in 1996.
When compared to the 1996 figure of 49% the 16% is an excellent improvement. It would suggest high cigarette taxes and prolonged other anti-smoking measures are working. Anything that helps protect our children’s health is great news. It would also seem to be true if people do not start smoking at secondary school they are unlikely to take it up later. The figures given on alcohol consumption among young UK students are still a cause for concern.
One would hope that this type of decline in youth smoking is also being reflected among Hong Kong youth.
Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.