Targeting Teens: Smokers on the Rise
By Sara Jamison
Everyday in the United States, 3,000 young people begin to smoke.
"Teens (86%) are twice as likely as adults (35%) to smoke the three most heavily advertised brands of cigarettes--Marlboro, Camel, and Newport." (Tobacco Advertising and Promotion)
"Less than 10 percent of smokers start after the age of 18." (Kids: The Industry's Last Hope)
Scary, but studies show that teenage smokers are being influenced by the tobacco industry, not peer pressure!
The tobacco industry has a challenge to face. They understand that most of their adult smokers are either dying off or quitting. And who better to replace them than us. Teenagers. They seem to think we're gullible and will fall for any advertising trick in the book. In fact, they may be right.
According to the study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute in 1995, "Tobacco advertising and promotion influence adolescents' decision to begin smoking more than does peer pressure." (Quote from Tobacco Advertising and Promotion)
Not only does advertising effect teens, but it affects the generation after them. For example, though it may not be really noticeable, younger kids are actually paying attention to the advertising out there. According to the another website, "The cartoon camel used to advertise Camel cigarettes...is as familiar to 6-year old children as Mickey Mouse's silhouette. A study found that 91 percent of 6-year olds not only recognized the Old Joe image, but were able to correctly link him with cigarettes."
Advertising isn't the only reason some teens start smoking. Rebellion plays a big part in lighting up, and "being accepted" is another excuse. Sad, but true.
But how could advertising play such an important role? I mean, if you're going to smoke, you're going to smoke. Being a nonsmoker myself, and darn proud of it, I simply cannot comprehend the reason for smoking. Why waste your hard earned money on expensive tobacco that kills you? Uh...if anyone has a really good reason of why to start, please email me! Peer pressure shouldn't exist, when you think about it. If your friends don't appreciate you for yourself and your beliefs than they aren't really friends. Period. You shouldn't smoke if you are looking for acceptance. Acceptance comes by standing up for your values, not by changing yourself.
I'll hop off my soapbox now and give you other teenagers the chance to tell your opinions--do you think advertising influences teens to smoke?
About the Author:
Sara Jamison may be contacted by email at sarajamison@hotmail.com.
Article courtesy of www.suite101.com.
