Think you’re in control? That you knew what you were doing when you tried that first cigarette? Don’t be fooled! Big Tobacco has more control then you might think!
Big Tobacco refers to the Tobacco corporations that spend billions of dollars each year manipulating you into trying that first smoke or dip.
They know that most teens will get addicted within just a few weeks of trying commercial tobacco. They use marketing schemes to target their magazine ads, commercials, packaging, and social medias to youth and then lie about it.
In all of their ads, Tobacco companies deceive the public about the safety of their products, they downplay the number of people who die from using their products, and they outright lie about targeting youth.
Ever wonder why they would spend so much money on marketing to children and teens? The answer, because tobacco products KILL half of all people who use them. Big Tobacco needs to replace these consumers somehow to keep making a profit.
By scamming young people to try their products Big Tobacco knows that it will have hooked another customer. By getting them young, they’re ensuring at least a few years of profits from them. Do you know where your money is going?
So now that youre a wise consumer, what can youdo to fight Big Tobacco?
Get involved! Start a group at your high school or community to support change, contact your local Health Unit to find out what else is going on in your town or province, or check out these websites to see what other youth in Ontario are doing!
Links
Stupid.ca
Smoke-fx
Youth Action Lung
Play Live Be Tobacco-Free!