WATCH: Limerick schoolchildren say ‘Not Around Us’ to smokers and vapers

“IF I WAS president of Ireland today I would definitely ban smoking,” says Sophia McShera Keyes, a  pupil at St Mary’s National School, Limerick.

Children at the school were having their say at the re-launch of the ‘Not Around Us’ campaign, an initiative designed to de-normalise smoking and vaping for the next generation and to protect them from the harmful effects of tobacco and nicotine products.

In a new video released to coincide with World No Tobacco Day (May 31) another pupil shares his thoughts on why so many young people take up smoking or vaping.

Niko Berikishvilli said, “They just see their parents, other people in town doing it. They might just think it’s very cool to do it. But then when they do it they start to get into it and they can’t stop”.

6th class pupil James Purcell expresses concern about the health impact of second hand smoking or vaping.

“I think smoking is bad because it’s bad for your heart and lungs and all. I feel like when someone’s vaping to just walk away because it can be bad for me,” he said.

The ‘Not Around Us’ campaign is championed by Limerick City and County Council in partnership with community and youth organisations and statutory agencies. It was initially launched in 2019 but its roll-out was hampered by the Covid 19 pandemic.

It includes a poster campaign targeting any public or outdoor spaces where children and young people are likely to gather and likely to see others smoking and vaping.

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These include childcare facilities, playgrounds, schools and sports clubs. ‘Not Around Us’ posters have been erected by organisations who signed up.

People who want to quit smoking or vaping can scan a QR code on the posters that will direct them to services that can help.

People who want to quit smoking or vaping can scan a QR code on the posters that will direct them to key information on the campaign, how to get involved and signpost to QUIT services.

The Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Cllr Francis Foley said: "We need to break the cycle of young people learning bad habits and behaviours by seeing people smoking and vaping in public settings.

"Health promotion campaigns like this empower people and organisations to take action at local level and have the potential to create cleaner, healthier environments for our children and for ourselves, which is the essence of community spirit."

Co-ordinator, Healthy Limerick, Olivia O’Brien said: "The aims of the ‘Not Around Us’ campaign are to de-normalise smoking and vaping for the next generation and to protect children and young people from second-hand smoke.

"The campaign is being led by Healthy Limerick with the support of statutory agencies and the youth and community sectors."

You can learn how your organisation can get involved on the ‘Not Around us’ page on Limerick.ie.

People who want to quit smoking and vaping can contact the QUIT Mid-West service on 065 6865841 or the national FREEPHONE NUMBER 1800 201 203.