Değer Hareketi discusses tobacco visibility in Turkish media

The civil society organization Değer Hareketi held its second stakeholder meeting in Ankara, focusing on the theme of “Media and Communication.” The discussion centered on the visibility of tobacco and nicotine products across traditional media, digital platforms, and social media, and how such portrayals may normalize usage and threaten public health.

Participants, including representatives from organizations such as the Turkish Green Crescent (Yeşilay Cemiyeti), AISEC, and various youth and environmental associations, examined how current regulations address the evolving media landscape. Key topics included the protection of children and youth, the enforcement of existing legislation, and the responsibilities of content creators and media outlets.

While the meeting noted that existing tobacco control laws are generally comprehensive, participants emphasized the need for more effective enforcement of smoke-free zone regulations and increased awareness regarding the right to smoke-free public spaces.