“Seen Enough Tobacco Day”

CONTACT: Judith Montauban

EMAIL: Judith.Montauban@Lung.org

PHONE: 631-415-0944

Oct. 22, 2018

October 13 Declared “Seen Enough Tobacco Day” across New York State to Protect Youth from Tobacco Marketing in Places Where They Can See It

Brentwood, N.Y. (October 30, 2018) –Reality Check Youth across New York State celebrated the second annual Seen Enough Tobacco Day on Saturday October 13^th. This day highlights the need for communities to protect children from the billions of dollars in

tobacco marketing spent where kids can easily see it. According to a U.S. Surgeon General report, there is overwhelming evidence that tobacco marketing is more effective in recruiting smokers if they are exposed to it younger. The same report calls smoking among youth a pediatric epidemic.

Youth members from Reality Check LI partnered with Youth Enrichment Services and North Middle School in Brentwood participated in a “Chalk the Walk” activity to raise awareness about the startling statistics that share the impact of tobacco marketing has on youth smoking initiation. One such statistic that was shared is, “Did you know tobacco companies put most of their marketing in stores where 75 percent of teens shop at least once a week?”

Seen Enough Tobacco Day is part of the overall statewide “Seen Enough Tobacco” initiative focused on putting an end to youth smoking and other tobacco use. Students hope to raise awareness and encourage their peers and community members to stand up in support of reducing youth exposure to tobacco marketing in their communities.

Reality Check LI empowers youth to become leaders in their communities in exposing what they see as the manipulative and deceptive marketing tactics of the tobacco industry. The organization’s members produce change in their communities through grassroots mobilization and education.

Community members are encouraged to visits at SeenEnoughTobacco.org for further information.