In a bold move, French Health Minister Catherine Vautrin recently announced a ban on smoking in all outdoor spaces frequented by children, effective from next month. This includes parks, playgrounds, public gardens and even near monuments.
Though some may see it as a restriction on personal freedom, the initiative upholds a higher principle: protecting the public – especially children – from the dangers of second-hand smoke.
As Vautrin put it, “The freedom to smoke ends where the freedom of children begins.”
It’s a powerful reminder that individual liberty should never come at the expense of others’ health, particularly the most vulnerable.
France is backing this policy with enforcement, imposing fines up to €135 for violations. Still, the true cost of smoking – borne by healthcare systems and non-smokers alike – far exceeds any fine.
Passive smoking remains a major public health threat, causing respiratory illness and cancer even among those who’ve never smoked.
Laws, however, are not enough. Real change requires sustained public awareness – through schools, homes, media and community institutions. Campaigns must go beyond timid posters and seasonal efforts. Education about smoking must become part of our everyday culture, not an occasional initiative.
Here in our kingdom, we’ve taken commendable steps – banning smoking in malls, restaurants and public buildings. But more can be done. Public campaigns need to be bolder and better targeted. We should also not hesitate to learn from global examples like France’s.
This French decision should not be an endpoint, but a starting line. The right to breathe clean air must be treated as a basic human right – non-negotiable and sacrosanct. Our children deserve more than hesitation and polite tolerance toward smokers.
It’s time to stop indulging harmful habits. Let clean air be a shared value – and let prevention always take precedence over regret.
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