Tuesday 8 September 2009
Young people’s voices should be heard in tobacco bill debate
ASH Scotland has published a series of materials designed to involve young people in the debate around the current Tobacco Bill, which will have its stage one debate in parliament at the end of this month. Commenting on the publishing of a supplement on the bill for youth workers and a new webpage with resources for young people, Chief Executive Sheila Duffy said:
“ASH Scotland has been very active in trying to help young people voice their views on the tobacco bill. We want their opinions to become part of the national debate. Today we have provided information on the bill in an accessible format and explained how they can let their MSPs know their thoughts.
“Our website now has a page dedicated to young people, setting out what measures are proposed and what the bill is all about including a summary and briefing on the bill, a short Q&A and links to news releases, media, and further information.
“In addition the current edition of The Link, the newsletter of YouthLink Scotland, which goes to youth workers all across the country, includes an ASH Scotland supplement about the tobacco bill. Entitled A Bright Future Without Tobacco the supplement provides guidance, information and resources that will allow youth workers to bring up the subject of smoking with young people and encourage them to participate in the debate around smoking prevention issues and the proposals in the tobacco bill. The supplement does not provide opinion or comment on the bill but is aimed at getting young people talking about the bill, its proposals, and getting them involved whether they support the measures or not.
“I hope that by providing these materials, we can get young people talking - whether in their youth groups or at home. I am keen that young people think about and debate the issues around the bill, reducing teenage smoking, and what measures they would like to see policy makers take forward.
“If they then want to take things further, and let their MSPs know their views, then we provide the information to do so. The bill is making its legislative passage through parliament this year, so now is the perfect time for young people to make their voices heard and influence a law that could directly affect them and the younger members of their family. I hope young people will take the opportunity to get involved and make their voices heard.”
ASH Scotland’s youth campaign page can be accessed at: www.ashscotland.org.uk/ash/7385.html
ASH Scotland’s Pride of Place? campaign page can be found at: www.ashscotland.org.uk/ash/7006.html
ENDS
Notes for Editors
1. ASH Scotland is an independent Scottish charity working in partnership to protect people from the harm caused by tobacco. Registered Scottish charity number SC 010412.