Research

Study reveals impact of advertisements on tobacco addicts
A study in India of sixth to eighth graders concluded that those who are exposed to the most tobacco advertising are the most likely to begin smoking. India has formally banned tobacco advertising since 2004, yet tobacco companies continue to promote their products through other promotional means. The continued advertisements, along with governmental delays in implementing pictorial health warnings on cigarette packaging, are taking a severe toll on the health of the nation's large population of youth, according to the president of the Public Health Foundation of India. Click here to learn more.

Smoking 'disrupts concentration of teenagers'
Brain scans of adolescents aged 13 to 18 show evidence that smoking disrupts the development of a signaling pathway between the brain and the ears, which could potentially make it more difficult to focus on verbal cues. While nicotine does not actually impair hearing, it inhibits proper processing of what is heard, which could lead to academic difficulties. The study concludes that nicotine exposure can lead to this deficiency both prenatally and during adolescence. Click here for more information.

Smoking in movies linked to kids lighting up
A recent study published in Pediatrics examines a link between smoking in movies and smoking initiation in children aged nine to twelve. The study correlated the number of smoking occurrences observed in movies with subsequent smoking onset in youths. Children with more exposure to movie smoking were more likely to try smoking. The researchers also discovered that approximately 80% of the childrens' exposures to smoking in movies occurred in films rated G, PG, or PG-13-movies that were age-appropriate. For more information about the study, click here, or read the abstract of the article here.

UF research snuffs out notion that smokeless tobacco is lesser of two evils
A University of Florida study of high school seniors attempted to determine the students' views of the risks related to various tobacco products. The results showed that while nonsmokers recognized that smoking is hazardous to one's health, smokers were more likely to ignore the risks of smoking. The researchers recommend that smokeless tobacco not be promoted as a product for risk-reduction, as it can provide a gateway to smoking; 40% of 17 year olds who use only smokeless tobacco later switch to cigarette smoking. Click here to read more about the study. 

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Reports

New York City Sets Standard for the Nation in Reducing High School Smoking
According to the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, public health efforts in New York City have cut high school students' smoking rates by over half between 2001 and 2007. While the most recent national teen smoking rate was measured at 23.7% in 2005, New York City's teen smoking rate is down to 8.5%. Furthermore, the adult smoking rate in New York City is 17.5%, which is considerably lower than the national rate of 20.8%. The city's success is attributed to New York's high tobacco tax, smoke-free workplaces, and strong tobacco prevention and cessation programs. Click here to read the full story. Click here to read the press release from New York City Department of Health.

Houston Artist Creates Anti-Smoking Coloring Book for Children
Freelance artist "Texas Tim" Webb has created an anti-smoking coloring book, "Smoke in your Eye Makes You Cry." The American Cancer Society recommends that parents begin talking to their children at age 5 or 6, and this coloring book is a resource that captivates children's attention by incorporating jokes and poetry with art. Click here to learn more about the coloring book. 

The Sunny Side of truth
The American Legacy Foundation has launched a new website and advertisement campaign that parodies the "benefits" of smoking. The television ads remain true to past truth campaigns, with teens revealing the harsh realities of smoking, but they involve a musical Broadway-style twist. The campaign is also present on social networking sites popular among young people such as MySpace, Xanga, and Bebo. Click here to view the truth website.

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International

National non-smoking REWARDS program announced for Canadian youth
A new program is being launched in Canada which offers students $5,000 for graduating from high school smoke-free. Fifth through eighth grade students must find sponsors who contribute charitable donations to the sum to be paid out upon graduation. Enrolled students may participate in a life skills program, and are offered fun incentives and support to keep them smoke-free. Click here to learn more. 

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