Over the last decade, there has been an increase in the number of policies and laws designed with the intent to decrease tobacco use in both youth and adult populations. This study examined adolescent opinions of tobacco policies. Tracking adolescent opinion of tobacco control policies may assist in the development of future policy interventions. The study was part of a national survey of students aged 14-19 years that examined tobacco use behaviors. Among access restriction policy issues, 70.7 percent (95% CI: 69.4-72.0) of the youth surveyed believed that vending machine sales should end; 76.2 percent (95% CI: 74.8-77.5) believed that retailers should require proof of age upon purchase of tobacco products; and 73.6 percent (95% CI: 72.1-75.1) believed that the sale of single cigarettes should be stopped. Among the advertising policy issues, 71.4 percent (95% CI: 70.1-72.7) of all adolescents supported restricting ads in teen magazines and 68.6 percent (95% CI: 67.1-70.1) supported keeping ads away from schools, but a declining number - 56.2 percent (95% CI: 54.8-57.7) - supported the banning of tobacco sponsorship of sporting events and only 47.8 percent (95% CI: 46.2-49.4) percent supported banning logos or brands. Almost three quarters of the adolescents surveyed - 74.7 percent (95% CI: 73.3-76.2) - supported the funding of an anti-smoking campaign by tobacco firms. Overall, nonsmokers were more supportive of restrictive anti-smoking policies. Female support for anti-tobacco policies were stronger than male support for all questions as well.
Learning Objectives: 1. Describe the results of a national survey of teen attitudes concerning various anti-tobacco policies. 2. Apply the information presented in the development of future anti-tobacco messages and campaigns. 3. Identify differences in attitudes about smoking policies between smoking and non-smoking adolescents
Keywords: Adolescents, Tobacco Policy
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.