The Public Relations Department at the College of Mass Communication, University of Baghdad (Evening Studies), organized a social marketing campaign aimed at raising awareness of the risks of electronic smoking among youth, under the supervision of Assistant Professor Dr. Jassim Tareq Al-Aqabi.
The campaign included a scientific workshop titled “The Psychological and Health Effects of E-Smoking on Youth,” delivered by Dr. Salwa Faeq, a specialist in Educational Psychology at the College of Education for Women, University of Baghdad, with the attendance of a number of students and interested participants.
The lecturer highlighted the most significant health and psychological risks associated with e-smoking, warning against the common misconception among some young people that it is less harmful than traditional smoking. She emphasized that recent studies point to its serious impact on the respiratory system and mental health.
Dr. Salwa also addressed misleading marketing and advertising strategies that target youth, portraying e-smoking as attractive and harmless, which contributes to its growing spread among students.
At the conclusion of the workshop, a set of solutions and strategies were presented to help reduce this phenomenon, including engaging in sports activities, making better use of free time, avoiding environments that encourage smoking, and promoting community awareness of its dangers.
This campaign comes as part of the College of Mass Communication’s efforts to strengthen its awareness and community role, and to enhance students’ understanding of health and behavioral issues that affect their lives.
