This post was sponsored by Tobacco Free New York State as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.
Here are NOT SO fun facts about smoking for kids under 18.
- Did you know that the average age of a new smoker in New York State is 13 years old?
- Did you know that from 2014 – 2018 e-cigarette use grew 160% among high school students?
Buses, newspaper kiosks, subways, store windows and even on the side of buildings, New Yorkers are bombarded by advertising. So it comes as no surprise that tobacco companies are spending billions to put their products in front of our kids. I have seen over the many years, how the tobacco companies have been doing this. As a parent of a 16-year-old, the topic of smoking targeted to underage kids hits close to home.
Kids in New York City can walk into any bodega, or corner store and see cigarette advertising in the windows and behind the counter. Over last couple of years, they are specialty stores dedicated to selling only e-cigarettes.
Even though it’s illegal to sell to kids under 18 and a pack of cigarettes is close to $15 a pack, it’s not hard for kids to buy cigarettes and it’s easy enough to buy e-cigarettes. I know this first hand since I seem to find cartridges in my daughter’s room. And I know she is not the only one in her crowd who smokes e-cigarettes. In my opinion, it is a full-on epidemic amongst high-schoolers.
Our kids have seen enough. It’s time to take action and protect kids from being exposed to tobacco products in stores!
If you are Fed up and just plain had it with tobacco companies promoting their products to kids in New York State, let’s make Tobacco Free New York.
Haven’t kids have seen enough?
Take the time to take action and protect kids from being exposed to tobacco products in stores – sign the pledge today!
For more information on the Seen Enough campaign, visit Seen Enough Tobacco website.
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