Research

Global Youth Tobacco Surveillance, 2000—2007
According to the results of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS), the world’s tobacco-related health problems will most likely become worse unless more tobacco control, prevention, and cessation efforts are implemented for youths. The GYTS collected information from schools in 140 World Health Organization member states between 2000 and 2007 on students’ tobacco use and attitudes toward smoking.  The data showed that girls are as likely as boys to be smokers.  Also, children are often not being refused cigarette purchases at retail outlets, and secondhand smoke exposure is prevalent.  Click here to view the article in the January 25 edition of the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, or click here for the response from the President of the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids.

In adolescents, addiction to tobacco comes easy
A recent study published in The Journal of Family Practice described teens’ rapid route to nicotine dependency.  Three surveys in New Zealand of over 25,000 youths showed that 25-30% of those who had smoked only one cigarette in the past month had some symptoms of addiction.  It was previously believed that adolescents became habitual smokers by smoking several cigarettes daily, but this research, along with rat studies that show lingering effects of nicotine lasting up to 30 days, may be evidence that even occasional smoking bring on addiction.  Read more about the study here.  Click here for the 10-question “Hooked on Nicotine” checklist that measures symptoms of dependency.

Duke study links teens' tobacco use to trauma
A recent Duke University study found that teens with a history of physical assault, sexual abuse, or physical abuse have an increased risk for taking up habitual smoking regularly later in life.  The researchers used data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, which followed approximately 15,000 adolescents between 1995 and 2002.  This study’s results highlight the potential for effective early interventions for adolescents who are at a high risk of smoking due to past traumatic events.  Read more here.

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Reports

Coalition of faith groups urges states to fund programs to protect kids from tobacco
A group of faith leaders recently joined forces to send a letter to governors nationwide, reminding them of their responsibility to use tobacco settlement money and tobacco taxes to fund tobacco prevention programs.  The letter was sent in light of a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report which showed that state tobacco prevention programs are widely under funded, with only 3% of tobacco settlement and tax money currently being spent on tobacco programs.  The message of unity behind this letter is important as lawmakers begin their 2008 legislative session.  Read more about the call to action here.

Some campuses decide tobacco company money is ‘tainted’
Colleges nationwide are struggling with the ethical dilemma of whether to accept sponsorships and other funding from the tobacco industry.  In recent years, many have placed bans on funding from tobacco companies.  While the donations can provide vital support for research and activities, university officials worry about tobacco companies’ special interests harming the quality of research, particularly when the science of smoking or medicine is involved.  Click here to read more.

Tee shirts as TV screens
Washington State is capturing teens’ attention with its innovative and very visible “NoStankYou” tobacco prevention media campaign.  Although the effort includes traditional media such as TV and radio spots, it is the online component that is generating the most buzz. Visitors to NoStankYou.com can learn tobacco facts, find out what is happening in their communities, get involved in tobacco prevention efforts, and earn cool NSY merchandise.  With the “Do 3, Get T” promotion, registered users can get a free NSY tee shirt by actively participating on the website.  When worn, the tee shirts themselves also become a medium – like a TV screen or a billboard – for promoting NoStankYou.com and tobacco prevention messages.  Click here to interact with NoStankYou.com.

Crunch take a stand and say "No Thanks, Big Tobacco"
Many sports stars are poor role models these days, but the Syracuse Crunch, an American Hockey League team, has taken a step to be a positive influence on kids.  The Crunch recently adopted a policy of not accepting tobacco advertising, sponsorship, or promotion money.  The Crunch is being honored by Tobacco-Free Onondaga County and the youth anti-tobacco organization Reality Check for the new “No Thanks, Big Tobacco” policy.  Click here to find out more.

State Health Commissioner urges film executives to eliminate smoking in youth-rated movies
New York State Health Commissioner Richard F. Daines, M.D. sent an open letter to movie industry CEOs at Disney, GE, News Corp., Sony, Time Warner and Viacom, asking them to take action against youth smoking.  Daines mentions that while the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) began taking smoking into account for movie ratings in May 2007, research shows that there has been no change in the amount of smoking depicted in youth-rated movies.  The open letter calls for an “R’ rating on movies that feature smoking.  The letter was published in the New York Times and Wall Street Journal, and the New York State Health Department is backing an $800,000 awareness campaign.  Read more here, or view the Commissioner’s open letter by clicking here.

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International

Bollywood stars told to put their cigarettes out
India’s Health Minister, Anbumani Ramadoss, called for the country’s top movie stars to be more aware of their influence on youth smoking.  Citing a statistic that 52% of Indian children begin smoking because of their exposure to smoking in films, Ramadoss hopes to ban all smoking in movies.  According to the World Health Organization, smoking among teens in India increased from 4.8% in 2000 to 15.9% in 2006.  Click here to read about the Health Minister’s call for film stars to quit smoking on screen.

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