“The number of student smokers was cut in half between 2001 and 2005”, rejoices Bertrand Dautzenberg, a respiratory doctor and president of “Paris sans tabac (PST)”, Tobacco-free Paris. This drastic reduction was equally strong for girls as for boys, according to annual research conducted since 1991.
“The image of cigarettes has changed,” argues a professor of AP-HP (Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris). “Before, smoking was the norm. Since the information campaigns, it is now perceived as a harmful pollutant.” In fact, a growing number of youth under age 16 are no longer tempted by cigarettes. There are about 80% fewer smokers among 12-13 year-olds, and 61% fewer among 14-15 year-olds. This university tries to respect the 'Evin law' and forbids smoking in places such as the courtyard. Only one place is reserved for 'addicts'. “But it's so smoky that it makes you want to vomit,” notes Carole, who quit smoking. Most colleges and high schools are non-smoking places, even if certain notices sometimes designate a (smoking) space for older people. The situation is more problematic at universities. Only three out of 17 French campuses that were surveyed are fighting to prohibit tobacco. But for the first time, 65% of students who call themselves smokers, say that they would accept tobacco-free universities. The effect of these preventative measures, however, could have ended already. Cigarette sales have risen slightly in 2005, as have youth smoking rates.
Le Figaro, 20 April 2005
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