Two year old smokes two packs a day

A shocking video showing a toddler smoking is causing a stir all over the world. The most surprising aspect is that the boy, at just two years old, is already addicted and smokes up to 40 cigarettes a day. He lives in Sumatra and weighs over 50 pounds. He has to use a toy truck to get around since he is so overweight. His parents have stated that he started smoking at just eighteen months. His father was the one who gave him his first cigarette.

His parents have said that he is absolutely addicted, and becomes irate and violent if they do not give him cigarettes. He will scream and throw himself into the wall. When he is not smoking, he has told his parents that he fills ill and suffers from vertigo. The father, when questioned, stated that his son looked healthy and he saw no problem with the young child’s two pack a day habit.

This scenario is a startling example of child neglect and endangerment. As an American, it is easy to look at it with a view of shock and judgement. Apparently, there are no age restrictions in Indonesia relating to the purchase of tobacco. In many low income countries tobacco companies advertise heavily to an uneducated population. Indonesia is the only country in Southeast Asia that does not participate in the World Health Organization. The director of Indonesia’s child protective services blames the child’s smoking habits on the parents and the tobacco companies advertising.