Each day more than 1,600 kids under the age of 18 try smoking for the first time. Roughly 235 of those kids go on to become regular, daily smokers. Although tremendous strides have been made to reduce youth tobacco and e-cigarette use, the tobacco industry continues to entice youth to try their products with one goal in mind: to gain a lifetime consumer. Combining technology and mouth-watering flavors, the tobacco industry has found a way to continue attracting kids to their products. Sadly, an estimated 5.6 million youths alive today will ultimately die from smoking unless rates begin to decline.
The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids has been leading the charge in advocating to reduce the prevalence of youth tobacco use. Take Down Tobacco Day, held each spring, is a national event created and organized by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids that empowers youth to engage in anti-tobacco advocacy and awareness at an individual, local, and national level.
Take Down Tobacco Day 2022 will be held on Friday, April 1st. Coinciding with April Fool’s Day, this year’s theme is centered around ‘taking down the joker’ – aka big tobacco. To join this national day of advocacy, create an event in your community using inspiration from the activities listed here. Then register your event here to receive tools and resources via e-mail to support your efforts in the fight against big tobacco
Treating tobacco use disorder in children and teens requires a tailored approach and an understanding of trends in e-cigarette use and emerging tobacco products. The Duke-UNC Tobacco Treatment Specialist Training Program offers education on these topics as part of its comprehensive TTS training. Click here to learn more about upcoming TTS trainings.
About the Author
Brittany Devine is a Nationally Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist with the UNC Tobacco Treatment Program. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health from Northern Illinois University. She believes in incorporating a holistic approach to treating tobacco dependence that focuses on both internal and external factors of addiction.