‘Online games luring Pinoys away from vices’

MANILA, Philippines - Online games and other vices are luring young Filipinos away from smoking and drinking alcohol, a recent study showed.

According to the PhilCare Wellness Index, Filipinos aged 29 and below are smoking and drinking alcohol less than older Filipinos.

Younger Filipinos are the most “behaved” compared to the older ones, consuming only 5.9 sticks per day and 6.57 units of alcohol per week.

On the average, Filipinos consume 10.13 sticks per day and 6.36 units of alcohol per week.

Filipinos in their 30s registered above the national mean for smoking and alcohol intake as they consume an average of 10.29 sticks per day and 6.51 units of alcohol per week.

In the case of Filipinos aged 40 to 49, smoking and consuming alcohol are more prevalent as they consume an average of 10.35 sticks per day and 6.62 units of alcohol per week.

Dr. Gerard Supangan, PhilCare resident pulmonologist, said the younger generation seemed to have found other vices like online games, which dissuaded them from smoking and drinking alcohol.     

“Perhaps, vices like smoking and drinking alcohol have become too expensive for younger Filipino adults. They are now more responsible with regard to their activities,” he added.

Supangan also said the younger people’s sense of practicality seems to have encouraged them to minimize their smoking and drinking. They have learned to preoccupy themselves with other activities, lessening the need for them to smoke and drink alcohol.

He noted that the findings of the study indicate that the government’s campaign against smoking and drinking alcohol is working, but the lower consumption of cigarettes and alcohol among younger Filipinos should not mean that efforts to dissuade them from vices should also cease.

“The results of this study on vices don’t mean that young generations are safe.