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Has plain packaging impacted smoking?

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Posted by: Caféstudy

22nd Jan 2014 04:20pm


A year after plain packaging was introduced, we asked you if you thought it had had an effect and was working to stop people smoking. Was it a worthwhile change, or just an example of the Government making decisions for us?

Your responses are divided between those who think it is a good thing (mostly non-smokers), and those who feel annoyed and think that the initiative is the Government telling you what to do (mostly current smokers). Several of you who have been smoking for many years say that plain packaging has done nothing to change your habits. In fact, some of you even say it has made you more determined to continue smoking! You think that the Government has no right to tell you what to do, and that quitting smoking should be your decision not theirs. As Pete says, “the packaging does not change an addiction to nicotine”. There is some anger at the Government at continuing to use tobacco as ever-increasing tax revenue whilst sending out messages that it is damaging. Why not ban smoking altogether instead for the sake of people’s health?

When it comes to the impact on young people...well, as Careful says; “young persons do not respond to the pictures as youth feel they are indestructible so this is not the way”. There is an element of rebellion among the young, and this is not seen as the best way of approaching the problem.

However, what is interesting is that many smokers who say that the new packaging has had no effect on them actually remove the cigarettes from their packets and put them in their own containers, or buy or make a special cover for the packets. Doesn’t the fact that smokers are covering up the health messages surely tell us that plain packaging is having an impact? After all, if the health messages on the packets do not have any impact on the smoker, then why cover it up?

wikkidgypsy
  • 18th Apr 2014 02:34pm

Love the individuality in everyone's comments. A few years ago I had commenced a course in Aged Care and Disability and the one thing that stuck in my mind was recalling the Teacher's opening statement in regards to Seniors living much longer, post world war 11. Government statistics had exhibited that there are more and more Nursing homes required today, due to Elderly Smoking and Drinking alcohol and it went further explaining that genocide is no longer occurring.

Following this 2 year course, I began studying other area's and have learned never to conform to the Government's way because it is clear in their wording that they wish genocide would still occur.

Many may be aware of the recent Lawsuit against the Government in regards to the young Man seen in the cigarette packaging that had died within 13 weeks. The Government stated that this young Man had died of lung Cancer, when in actual fact, he had died of Aids instead.

Personally, many would do far better not to believe their Government.


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