This is evident from a survey among more than 1,300 Dutch people from Health Funds for Smoke Free, which De Telegraaf writes about. At many playgrounds smoking is still allowed.
Growing up in a smoke-free environment
“Almost everyone takes it for granted that children grow up in a smoke-free environment,” Michael Rutgers, chairman of the fund, tells the newspaper. “Yet in many places children cannot play and exercise smoke-free, which is unacceptable.”
Five years ago, 65 percent of the Dutch thought that smoking should be prohibited in playgrounds. Meanwhile, 91 percent of the Dutch agree that there should be a smoking ban in places where children play. This is evident from a survey among more than 1,300 people.
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Not only playgrounds, but also petting zoos and sports fields should, according to a large majority of people, become smoke-free. “Hundreds of children become addicted to smoking every week. And every year 20,000 people in our country die from the effects of smoking or co-smoking. That must stop as soon as possible”, says Rutgers.
“It is important that we set a good example together. Seeing smoking makes smoking. That is why I call on all managers of sports clubs and play areas to make their site completely smoke-free.”
First cigarette in schoolyard
Although there is currently no national smoking ban at playgrounds and sports fields, smoking is allowed in all schoolyards in the Netherlands banned since last month. This applies to primary schools, secondary schools as well as MBO, HBO institutions and universities.
State Secretary Blokhuis considered the measure necessary because ’75 young people under the age of 18 start smoking every day’. “That is an enormous number,” says Blokhuis. “We must therefore continue to work to reduce that to zero. Many young people light their first cigarette in the schoolyard.”
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