China Bans Smoking in Movies and Television

As per the recent news, mainland China has announced to ban smoking scenes in movies as well as television serials, with the feeling that it will help to reduce smoking in the upcoming generation.

Figures show that it will help its 300 million smokers to drop that habit.

However, the declaration was made by the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT).

While talking to media, an official from the department said, “A survey conducted among 11,000 middle school students in Beijing showed nearly 33% wanted to try smoking after seeing actors lighting up on television.”

Further, the report states, tobacco is the top killer in the country -- the world's largest tobacco manufacturer and consumer -- and smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke exact high medical and social costs.

According to the figures released in the study, around 3.5 million Chinese could die from smoking-related illnesses each year by 2030 as against to the 1.2 million in 2005, if strong steps were not taken.