Youth & Tobacco Prevention Efforts
The tobacco industry loses - and must replace - some two million consumers each year, either because they quit smoking or die. Studies have shown that the majority of new tobacco users will come from the ranks of young people. The tobacco industry spends $12.8 billion each year on advertising and promotion - $72.1 million of that is spent in Nebraska alone.
Adolescent smoking rates in Nebraska experienced a sharp decline between 1997 (39.2%) and 2005 (21.8%). In 2003, the youth smoking rate dropped to 21.9 percent and remained stable in 2005 (21.8%) indicating a slackening in the declining trend. In 2007, the decline stopped and the trend moved slightly upward to 22.3 percent.
Similar to youth smoking behavior, the use of smokeless tobacco (chewing tobacco, snuff or dip) by youth experienced a sharp decline between 1997 (17.1%) and 2005 (8.7%). However, in 2007, smokeless tobacco use among youth increased to 11.5 percent. For more information about youth and tobacco check out the Data and Trends on Tobacco Use in Nebraska report.
MOTAC has several members working on tobacco prevention efforts with youth in the Omaha area:
Teens Aggressively Taking "U"thority or T.A.T.U., is an empowerment program for youth ages 10-18 years. The program provides opportunities for youth to gain leadership skills and address issues related to alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs through advocacy workshops, media opportunities, community outreach, and presentations to peers. For more information on how you and your youth can get involved call Vickie Young, New Creations, Inc., at (402) 990-3111.
No Limits is Nebraska's first tobacco prevention movement created and led by youth. No Limits wants Nebraska's youth to realize they can fight back against Big Tobacco's deadly marketing tactics. Visit them at www.nolimitsnebraska.com.
PRIDE-Omaha, Inc. offers an extensive resource center available to the public. PRIDE has a great collection of brochures, handouts, activities, displays, DVDs and posters for adults to utilize when talking to youth about the dangers of tobacco. Check out the Drug Prevention Resources Guide and call (402) 397-3309 today to reserve your materials!
© Copyright 2010 Metro Omaha Tobacco Action Coalition.