Smoking is often defended as a matter of personal freedom. However, when that choice exposes children to second-hand smoke, the debate shifts from individual rights to public responsibility.
Mounting evidence links passive smoking to asthma, respiratory infections, and long-term health risks in children.
This prompted us to ask listeners in a WhatsApp poll:
Should smoking around children be treated the same way as drinking and driving — a personal choice with public consequences?
An overwhelming 84% of respondents said yes.
Professor Catherine Egbe, Senior Specialist Scientist at the Mental Health, Alcohol, Substance Use and Tobacco Research Unit at the South African Medical Research Council, said current legislation already recognises the danger.
“According to the Tobacco Control Act of 1993, as amended in 2007 and 2008, it is against the law to smoke in a car carrying a child aged 12 years or younger. The new bill currently before Parliament seeks to increase that age to 18 and extend protection to non-smokers in the vehicle,” she explained.
Egbe stressed that children are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of tobacco smoke.
“Children’s organs and tissues are still developing. They breathe faster than adults, which means they take in more toxins. In an enclosed space like a car, the concentration of smoke is much higher, increasing the risk.”
Listen to the full interview below:
Dr Saadiq Karriem, Chief Operating Officer at the Western Cape Government’s Department of Health, said the issue reflects a broader public health principle — where personal rights end and public harm begins.
“From a health perspective, these conversations are not new. Smoking is already prohibited in many indoor and some outdoor public spaces. The World Health Organization is advocating for 100% smoke-free public environments,” he said.
Karriem added that rights are not unlimited.
“The moment there is public harm, that, in my view, outweighs personal choice. Rights are not absolute, and public health considerations must be taken seriously.”
Listen to the full interview below:
VOC News
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