Research

One year later: Are MPAA's tobacco labels protecting audiences?
Researchers studied whether movie ratings changed during the year after the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) announced in May 2007 that it would take smoking into account when rating movies. Of the top movies released during that year, 38% of movies rated G and PG featured tobacco, compared to 58% of PG-13 movies and 80% of R-rated movies. Overall, 55% of movies accessible to youths—those rated PG-13 or below—featured tobacco products, and only 10% of these films carried MPAA tobacco descriptors. Furthermore, aside from a 29% decrease in smoking in PG-13 movies, there was no significant change in the amount of smoking shown in youth-accessible movies. Click here to read more.

Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance - United States, 2007
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System is a school-based survey that measures the prevalence of health risk behaviors among youths in grades 9-12, including smoking. Tobacco use remains among the top causes of morbidity and mortality for American youths. The YRBS data describes current and past smoking behavior by state, gender, ethnicity, and school grade level. Click here for the full 2007 YRBS report.

Cigarette use among high school students - United States, 1991–2007
Tobacco surveillance data from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that the decline in current tobacco use among youths seen between 1997 and 2003 has stagnated. “Current tobacco use” was defined as having smoked on at least one day during the month before the survey. After an increase in the prevalence of tobacco use from 1991-1997, tobacco use decreased from 36.4% in 1997 to 21.9% in 2003. Since 2003, tobacco use has remained steady. In order to achieve the 2010 national health objective of reducing current smoking among youths to 16% or less, the annual decline in smoking seen between 1997 and 2003 must resume. For this to happen, the CDC suggests full implementation of comprehensive prevention efforts, including countermarketing, excise tax increases, and school- and community-based policies and programs. Click here to access the article and YRBS data in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

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Reports

WHO wants total ban on tobacco advertising
On the eve of World Tobacco Day 2008, the World Health Organization called for governments around the world to ban tobacco advertising. Studies have shown that kids exposed to tobacco advertising are more likely to become smokers, yet only 5% of the world’s population is protected by comprehensive laws against tobacco promotions, marketing, and sponsorship. According to WHO officials, stricter laws are needed to protect youth in developing countries where tobacco marketing is particularly aggressive; most people worldwide begin smoking by the age of 18, and a quarter are smokers by age 10. Click here to read the press release from the WHO.

Celebrate a smoke-free Father’s Day
Since fathers have a great influence on their children, to coincide with Father’s Day, the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids released a list of tips on raising smoke-free children. The fact sheet informs fathers that whether or not they themselves smoke, parents can take steps to prevent their children from becoming smokers. Parents can make a difference for their children by maintaining a smoke-free home and car, talking to their children about the addictive and harmful nature of cigarettes, and encouraging their children to never start smoking. Click here for more tips on how to raise a smoke-free child. Click here for a related fact sheet on the harms of cigarette smoking to dads and their children.

Rivalry aside, Marlins and Rays team up to fight tobacco (FL)
Two rival Florida Major League Baseball teams, the Florida Marlins and Tampa Bay Rays, have partnered to deliver anti-smoking messages statewide. Eight players from both teams recorded videos to let their fans know that they are not tobacco users, and that the issue is important to them. The videos are shown during the teams’ games and broadcasted on television statewide. The state quitline has experienced an increase in call volume that has been attributed to this campaign. Click here fore more details.

truth® launches its 9th annual summer tour
The truth® campaign, the nation’s largest smoking prevention campaign for youth, launched its 9th annual nationwide summer tour on June 13 in Jackson, Mississippi. On tour, truth® “crew members” will interact with local youth across the country to share information about the addictiveness of tobacco products, the adverse health effects of tobacco use, and the social consequences of smoking. Every year the dedicated young adults who make up the truth® crews for the tour connect with more than 700,000 teens at popular summer musical and sporting events. This year’s destinations include Tony Hawk's Boom Boom HuckJam, The Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival, Jubilee!JAMan arts and music festival, and Rock the Bells 2008. Click here for more information on the tour.

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