Now through March 9, Reality Check of New York is calling on teenagers to submit entries to their Smoke-Free Video Contest, which calls on teens aged 13-18 to submit 60 second videos that include key facts about the harmful effects of smoking imagery in TV and movies.
Smoking in television and movies has long been a concern for impressionable youth. The entertainment industry uses this imagery to intentionally and unintentionally promote and glamorize smoking and, more recently, vaping.
Studies show that the more youth see smoking on screen, the more likely they are to try smoking — a number of peer-reviewed studies compiled by the National Library of Medicine indicate that compared to teens with low exposure to smoking in movies, those with higher exposure are approximately three times more likely to try smoking or become smokers. Additionally, research suggests that mandating an “R” rating for movies that show smoking would result in an 18 percent decrease in the youth smoking rate.
Entries into Reality Check’s contest will be judged on quality, creativity and effectiveness and accuracy of message — winners will be announced March 27, with all entrants receiving a swag bag. The grand-prize submission will be featured on Reality Check’s website and social media platforms.
For more information and to submit a video, click here.
The Heart Network’s Health Systems for a Tobacco Free North Country, along with its partners across the region, encourages teens to take part in Reality Check’s contest. We are all committed to decreasing tobacco use in our communities. If you’re a teen looking to get involved in Reality Check, you can contact your local Reality Check coordinator: Alice Elizabeth Ladue, Reality Check coordinator, Tobacco Free Clinton, Franklin & Essex, realitycheck@cvfamilycenter.org, or Travis Jordan, Reality Check coordinator, Advancing Tobacco Free Communities, St.Lawrence, Jefferson, & Lewis, tjordan@svpc.net.
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