Unmasking the Appeal – A Call for Human-Centered Tobacco Prevention on World No Tobacco Day 2025

Saving our children from nicotine isn’t just a policy issue—it’s a people issue. Let’s humanize prevention and empower families, schools, and digital spaces to stand against use, together. – Suneel Vatsyayan

 As the world marked World No Tobacco Day 2025, the seminar “Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products” brought together health experts, educators, law enforcement officials, and civil society members to explore effective strategies to protect young people from the manipulative tactics of the tobacco and nicotine industry.

One of the highlights of the seminar was the panel discussion featuring Mr. Suneel Vatsyayan, Chairperson of Nada India Foundation, who spoke powerfully about the need to humanize prevention and reclaim schools and families as safe spaces against tobacco use including E- Vaping addiction.

Date: May 29, 2025
Location: Annexe Building, India International Centre, New Delhi
Theme: Unmasking the Industry’s Tactics – Protecting Youth
Organized by: Mothers Against Vaping (MAV)

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Insights: Reclaiming Youth from Use and Addiction

Mr. Suneel Vatsyayan, a strategist in health and recovery, life coach, and addiction counsellor, emphasized the urgent need to go beyond policies and enforcement by adopting a human-centered prevention approach. His recommendations offered a roadmap for integrated, community-based solutions rooted in empathy and youth empowerment.

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Key Recommendations from the Panel

1. Demand and Supply Reduction – Two Sides of Prevention

While policies like COTPA (2003) and PECA (2019) focus on supply control, industries continuously exploit digital loopholes using influencers and social media.

“Prevention is not just a legal battle—it’s an emotional one,” said Vatsyayan.

2. Unmasking the 'Harm Reduction' Smokescreen

The industry's push for vapes and e-cigarettes as "harm reduction tools" is a distraction.
WHO research and lived experiences show that nicotine addiction deepens, especially in youth. Vatsyayan called this tactic a “rebranding of dependency.”

3. Emotional CPR in Schools & Families

Human-centered demand reduction must include Emotional CPR (Connecting, Empowering, Revitalizing) in schools.
He suggested initiatives like Listening Corners where students can safely share their struggles.

4. Whole School, Whole Family Approach

Prevention requires collective participation—parents, teachers, peers, and social workers forming a web of protection.
Key components include:

• Peer-led life skill programs

• Mental health literacy

• Legal awareness clubs

• Clear school policies on substance use

5. Digital Duality & Youth Manipulation

From e-commerce to Instagram, dark patterns are used to mislead youth—e.g., vapes disguised as USB drives or candy.
“Digital media literacy must become a prevention tool,” urged Vatsyayan.

6. Health as the Heart of Education

Aligning with NEP 2020, schools should evolve into health-promoting institutions, not just academic spaces.
Health and well-being must be the foundation of every educational effort.

7. Call to Action – Building a Youth Health Alliance

Suneel Vatsyayan proposed forming a Youth Health Advocacy Alliance, bringing together:

• Peer educators

• School social workers

• Civil society organizations like MAV

• Health and law enforcement departments

He also stressed the importance of content accountability on digital platforms and cyber enforcement against online nicotine sales and marketing. On this World No Tobacco Day 2025, the message is clear: unmask the industry, amplify youth voices, and build a preventive ecosystem where children are safe, aware, and empowered.