Researchers say smoking in movies and on TV are causing more young people to light-up. San Diego County student leaders will meet today to develop ways kids and teenagers can curb Hollywood’s influence. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.
Close to 140 students and advisors will attend the county’s "Teens Kick Ash Training Program." The young people will develop strategies to use during the Great American Smokeout next month. On that day, smokers are asked to quit or cut back. Anti-tobacco advocate Andrea Valdez says youth smoking is making a comeback due to Hollywood’s influence.
Valdez: The more smoking they see in movies, the more likely they are to start smoking themselves. And have to have positive attitudes about smoking in real life. And take that fantasy that Hollywood provides and translate it into real life.
Valdez says research shows a third to half of all teens start using tobacco because they’re influenced by the media. Hookah smoking is another topic students will tackle at the training. Ana Tintocalis, KPBS News.
