DEAR EDITOR,
AS learners in Form III and V prepare for their examinations, there is a growing need to pay attention to the choices they make in an effort to study for longer hours and remain alert.
While examinations can place considerable pressure on students, turning to tobacco and nicotine products for energy or concentration can put their health at risk.
Some learners may believe that smoking cigarettes, using vapes or consuming other nicotine products will help them stay awake, concentrate better and cover more schoolwork.
However, nicotine is an addictive substance and becoming dependent on it can create additional challenges for young people.
Rather than providing a healthy solution to exam pressure, nicotine use may expose learners to addiction and other health risks.
The concern is not limited to traditional cigarettes. Vapes, flavoured nicotine products and other emerging products may appear attractive to young people because of their flavours, designs and marketing.
Learners need accurate information to understand that these products are not harmless simply because they look modern or are presented as alternatives to smoking.
Parents, teachers and school authorities have an important role to play during this examination period.
Instead of focusing only on academic performance, we should also encourage learners to get enough sleep, eat balanced meals, drink enough water and take short breaks while studying.
Schools should provide guidance and support to learners who feel overwhelmed by examination pressure or who have already started using tobacco and nicotine products.
As a country, we must remind our young people that their future is worth protecting.
Academic success should never come at the expense of their health.
Learners should be encouraged to build effective study habits and seek support when they are struggling, rather than relying on addictive substances to get through examinations.
Let us work together to protect our learners from tobacco and nicotine addiction and create school environments where young people can pursue academic excellence without compromising their well-being.
Regina Ssemwogerere
Communications Officer
Association of Students Against Drug Abuse and Trafficking (SADAT)
