KARACHI: The Entrepreneurship and Youth Development Society (EYDS) has urged parents and guardians to play an active and informed role in protecting young people from tobacco and nicotine products and preventing their access to such harmful substances.
The call was made during a media session titled “Youth at Home,” organized under EYDS’s Youth Access Prevention Initiative. The session focused on the role of the home environment and family guidance in preventing young people from using tobacco and nicotine products.
Parents Have Key Role in Youth Protection
Speaking at the session, EYDS Vice President Shaista Ayesha said protecting young people from harmful products is a shared responsibility.
She said parents can play a fundamental role by keeping an eye on their children’s surroundings, friendships and neighborhood influences while maintaining open and friendly communication with them.
According to her, a supportive family environment and regular communication can help parents better understand the factors that may influence young people’s behavior.
Experts Call for Responsible Awareness
YAP Programme Manager Ayesha Zuberi highlighted the importance of responsible communication about tobacco and nicotine use.
She said accurate, balanced and non-sensational information is important for raising public awareness. She added that the media should focus on awareness-based coverage without creating fear or resorting to excessive blame.
Participants at the session also agreed that educational institutions and community leaders should be included in prevention efforts.
They emphasized the need for coordinated action at the family, school and community levels to strengthen efforts to prevent tobacco and nicotine use among young people.