Getting kids not to start is the latest battle plan in the U.S. Surgeon General’s war on smoking. According to Surgeon General Dr. Joycelyn Elders, antismoking efforts should shift from simply getting people to quit to preventing teens from becoming addicted in the first place.
One approach: Ban tobacco advertisements that critics say are aimed at young people–the “Joe Camel” cartoon ads, for example.
Another strategy: Enforce the laws that, in most states, make it illegal to sell tobacco products to kids under 18.
That’s the whole point of Regan Golden-McNerney’s “undercover” cigarette purchases. Last summer, she tried to buy cigarettes in nearly 120 bars, supermarkets, and company lunch rooms to illustrate just how infrequently the laws are enforced. “I was able to buy cigarettes over the counter 78 percent of the time–and I definitely looked 15,” says Regan, who is 16 now.
Some of Regan’s “sting” operations were aired on the evening news to increase public awareness and force communities to take action. But clearly, something else must be done to convince teens that they shouldn’t even want to smoke.
Maybe you can help persuade your peers. Turn to page 11 for a survey you can use to find out what kinds of messages will reach your friends. Then use your findings to devise an effective smoking-prevention plan for your school or community.
Please read this article:Â 7 How To Quit Smoking Tips That Will Save Your Life. It will take you only one minute but it will save your life!
