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Teenagers believe slim, white cigarettes are weak and less harmful, report researchers from the University of Stirling in Scotland. Cancer Research UK released these study results with the launch of its anti-smoking film on November 11. The film shows “how the tobacco industry encourages children to smoke.” The study results and film are part of a campaign in support of plain packaging for cigarettes in Scotland.
“This important study reveals for the first time that adolescents associate slim and decorative cigarettes with glamour and coolness, rating them as a cleaner, milder and safer smoke. It is incredibly worrying to hear that adolescents believe that a stylishly-designed cigarette gives a softer option,” said Dr. Allison Ford, lead author of the study.
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Forty-eight teenagers gave their views on eight different cigarette brands. The brands differed in length, diameter, color and design. The teens viewed long, slim cigarettes as the weakest and safest. The super slim cigarettes were described as “classy” and “nicer.” Researchers however, point out that some super slim cigarettes are more harmful than regular cigarettes.
Cigarettes that were in plain, dark colored packs were described as "boring, for older smokers and associated with greater strength and ill health" by the teens. Packages that were lighter in color and feminine in design were described as "cute" and "too colorful to be harmful."
Tobacco use still a problem among US teens
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Tobacco use among teens and young adults in the U.S. is still a significant public health concern. The Office of the Surgeon General described it as an epidemic. Over 3.5 million middle and high school students smoke cigarettes. In addition, one in every five high school boys smokes cigars.
The Surgeon General's report blames this epidemic on advertising by tobacco companies. “Tobacco product advertising and promotions still entice far too many young people to start using tobacco,” according to the report.
The study, "Adolescent perceptions of cigarette appearance," was done by Cancer Research UK scientists at the University of Stirling. It is published in the European Journal of Public Health.
The American Lung Association and MD Anderson Cancer Center have information and tips for parents on how to talk with their teenagers about tobacco use.
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This article was originally published by me on Examiner.com.
©Mary M Conneely T/A Advocacy in Action
Nice blog! Electronic Cigarette is the only solution in order to reduce tobacco problem.
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