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Kids’ czar nods to PL proposal for smoke ban in playing fields The government may not intend taking up a proposal by Labour MP Leo Brincat to extend the smoking ban to playing fields, but new Childrens’ Commissioner Helen D’Amato has expressed a degree of support for the idea. Brincat raised the issue during parliament’s question time when he asked Health Minister Joe Cassar whether the government intends issuing new regulations banning smoking from playing fields. The minister said the government was not considering this option even if he was taking note of Brincat’s suggestion. Brincat raised the issue following complaints regarding a number of youths who are not only “chain smoking”, but also setting fire to objects and speaking in a foul way at Swieqi’s Hemel Street playground. While not pronouncing herself directly on whether the government should ban smoking in playing fields, childrens’ commissioner Helen D’Amato said kids had a right to a recreational space free from any form of health and safety risk posed by smoking, as well as from “actions which can have a negative influence on attitudes and values of children.” “Adults have the responsibility to convey positive messages which do not conflict with those given to them in the family, at school and on the media regarding addictions like smoking.” While most smoking bans in Europe have been restricted to indoor public spaces or a few open air spaces like train stations, over the past years a number of US cities, particularly in California like Los Angeles, San Diego and San Jose have banned smoking from all public parks. In 2009 smoking in playing fields was banned in the Canadian city of Toronto. Last March, the Royal College of Physicians called on the United Kingdom to ban smoking in all cars as well as in public places where young people congregate including playing fields. Any comments? |
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Managing editor Saviour Balzan | Tel. ++356 21382741 | Fax: ++356 21385075 | Email
Managing editor Saviour Balzan | Tel. ++356 21382741 | Fax: ++356 21385075 | Email