Anti-Smoking Campaign Successful?

Issue: Graphic television advertisements


A brief introduce on this issue, Singapore Health Promotion Board [SHPB] has introduced graphic television advertisements in march 2007 onwards. screening advertisements which shows after effects of smoking.

please note, i am stating the points only.

Fristly, those advertisements screening after effects of
smoking had gave me an hard impact. The graphics were good,
they looked real. It scares people just looking at it, most
non-smokers would probably not to take up smoking. And smokers
may consider to quit it after see those. However, how far an
extend smokers will quit it, citizens like don't know.

Secondly, an quote from the advertisements; 'Quitting is hard.
Not quitting, is harder.' Just this sentence alone gives us a
clear understanding that SHPB wants smokers to quit and 'extend
their life span'.

Lastly, i felt that these advertisements should be rated NC-13
[No children under 13yrs]. These graphic advertisements are
unsuited for younger children. Bits and pieces of skins and
gore [make ups] are shown clearly on the television. Childrens
may be afraid and gets nightmares, in worse cases, they may get
a trauma on smoking. It be good if they don't smoke because of
this. But we can't deny there may be cases where trauma gets
worse, a kid may get a shock whenever he/she sees someone
smokes. The kid may develop 自避症 and his/her life will be
affect. Thus, have SHPB considered about this possiblity?
Just a doubt, if SHPB really wants smokers to quit. Why aren't the government stop importing cigrettes which will solve the root problem. I understand, it's part of Singapore's revenue.However, their actions contridict their goal. If the government wish for the best for every citizens, a smoke-free country should be worked out. Singapore could earn from other areas.

What do you readers think?