Parents In Action!

Did you know that in 2011, 85% of movies released in Ontario containing images of tobacco were rated for children & teens (G, PG, 14A)?

 

Why is smoking in movies a problem?

Movies influence many children & teens to start smoking

o   Research  by many leading public health authorities have shown that smoking in movies rated G, PG, and 14A can influence children and teens and make them more likely to start smoking.

Whether smoking appears in the background or foreground, whether it’s a “good guy” or “bad guy”, whether it appears a lot all at once, or a little over time, the influence of smoking in movies is the same.  It is the build up of smoking images in our children’s minds that counts.  

The more times a child or teen sees smoking in movies the more likely they are to start.

Why is it important to protect our children from smoking in movies?  
  • On-screen smoking is more powerful than traditional tobacco ads, as well as the example set by non-smoking parents.
  • We have seen the influence of Hollywood on pop culture and the choices that children and teens make.  Everything from the clothes that they wear, the haircuts they choose, to the words that they use.  Why would the influence of smoking be any different?   
  • We also know how much money companies pay for product placement in movies. The tobacco industry’s own documents show the history of the relationship between the Tobacco Industry and Hollywood for tobacco logo/product placement and actors smoking in movies.  
  • Most movies with smoking are rated for children and teens.

In 2011, 85% of movies that included scenes with smoking were rated G, PG or 14A (rated for a children and teen audience). This stat is troubling since we now know that the more children and teens see smoking in movies, the more likely they are to start.

 

What can I do?
  • Learn more.  Explore this website and learn more about the issue of smoking in the movies.
  • Be aware.  Pay attention to what your children are watching. To learn which movies have smoking in them visit the Hooked by Hollywood Facebook Page every Thursday for updates on newly released Ontario rated movies and their tobacco content (both in theatres and new to DVD, Blu-Ray and On-Demand) listed as smoke-free or not.

Ontario parents can look up movie ratings and tobacco status under "New Releases" every Thursday at:

www.facebook.com/hookedbyhollywood 

 

 

 

Talk with your children about tobacco and movies.  Teach them to be media aware.

 

 

 

 

 

 

shadow