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Why Are Cigarette Cards Gaining Popularity in Schools, and How Should We Respond?

Date:2024-08-15   View:1092

In recent years, it has become common to see children lying on the ground in Chinese schools and residential communities, using their palms to slap the ground, playing the "cigarette card" game. Is your child also involved in this trend?

What are "Cigarette Cards"?

The so-called "cigarette cards" are pieces cut from cigarette boxes that feature cigarette labels, which are then folded into card shapes. The game is simple: kids slap their palm on the ground to flip the card, and if it lands face up, they win.

While playing, children often discuss topics such as "the brand of cigarettes" and "which cigarettes are expensive," with everyone trying to collect the most valuable "cigarette cards."

A first-grade student shared with reporters that he finds "cigarette cards" fun, interesting, and new. "Classmates compare whose 'cigarette cards' are more expensive, and I want to win theirs. I've already collected many cards." This student mentioned that if they don’t join in, they don’t have any other games to play, as everyone else is involved in the "cigarette card" game.

What Are the Dangers of the "Cigarette Card" Game for Children?

However, the growing popularity of "cigarette cards" has raised concerns among parents and schools. Some parents worry that while playing the game might seem harmless, it could lead to children being exposed to tobacco products at a young age, potentially learning to smoke. A principal from a primary school pointed out that some children may buy cigarettes to collect the "cigarette cards," which could lead them to start smoking. Additionally, children may even compete to see who has the most expensive or rarest cards, which fosters unhealthy comparisons.

The Dangers of the "Cigarette Card" Game Include:

  1. Fostering Jealousy: Children may compare whose "cigarette cards" are more expensive, encouraging consumerism.

  2. Encouraging Greed: The desire to win other people's "cigarette cards" may lead to a tendency toward gambling.

  3. Promoting Smoking: During the game, children may learn about smoking, which negatively impacts their physical development.

How Can Schools and Parents Respond to the Popularity of Cigarette Cards in Schools?

  1. Raising Awareness: Parents and schools should focus on cultivating children's awareness and ability to distinguish right from wrong, helping them resist harmful influences.

  2. Strict Monitoring: Schools should strengthen the supervision of the campus environment to prevent the circulation of "cigarette cards" and other banned items. This can be achieved through regular inspections and the establishment of reporting mechanisms.

  3. Psychological Support: For students who have already started using cigarette cards, schools and parents should offer necessary psychological support and encouragement to help them break bad habits. Psychological counseling and peer support groups can help students find healthier ways to relieve stress.

  4. Alternative Methods: Introduce healthy stress-relieving activities, such as sports, reading, music, and stress-relief toys. The squishy toys made by Qimeng Toy Factory are an excellent choice. These squishy toys are soft to the touch and effective in relieving stress, providing students with a way to relax during stressful moments. Additionally, Qimeng Toy Factory offers a variety of squishy keychain ornaments, including lifelike fruits, vegetables, food, and animals, which can be attached to school bags as decorative items, providing a playful way to cope with academic pressure.

Conclusion

The popularity of "cigarette cards" in schools is a matter that requires urgent attention. We must help students stay away from the dangers associated with cigarette cards and provide healthy stress-relieving tools, such as stress-relief toys like squishy toys. Research shows that tactile stimulation can help the brain release dopamine, creating a sense of joy and relaxation, allowing children to feel more focused and relaxed in their academic and social lives to cope with the pressures of school exams and peer relationships.

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