Will Warning Signs And Disturbing Images Curb Smoking?

A new method is been devised to keep smokers from buying cigarette packets. Instead of flaunting stylish packets depicting someone smoking in style or the logo of the cigarette company, smokers will now be seeing disturbing images of mouth/throat cancers and statutory warnings in bold lettering.

Such a step is being taken by countries like Australia –these are basically disallowing tobacco companies from displaying their trademark logos; instead 75 percent of the surface areas of cigarette cartons will be covered with warning signs and disturbing photos. The same olive green color will however be retained and “there will be just a small mention of the brand somewhere on the carton”.

A survey shows that many people feel this will make the necessary impact; though it might be slow to take effect. Such constant reminders might someday make a difference in smokers’ resolve to kicking the butt.

In fact, some smokers in UK were indeed disgusted by the pictures, but the effect barely lasted a couple of days. Others also believe that if a nation wants to stop its people from smoking, it should place a complete ban on the product.

In places like India, most of the population is in the rural areas where smoking beedis and other tobacco products is the trend. These products come in cheap form of packaging. How can one control such a big industry? A prominent psychiatrist concurs saying that people will grumble about such packaging but most will not care. Instead audio-visual media like TV is bound to have more impact. Members of young generation also believe that inexpensive packaging might look “uncool” and discourage those youngsters from smoking who have taken up the habit to “look hip” in the first place.