More than 947 million packs of cigarettes and 26 million containers of spit tobacco are illegally sold each year to kids under the age of 18. 3,000 children begin smoking each day. In 1969, cigarette ads were banned from television and radio in the United States. Anti-smoking ads also stopped airing.
Kids are very image conscious.
Direct advertising and promotions by tobacco companies appealed to the desire by youth to enhance their self esteem. Marlboro TM appeals to the desire for rebellion. For more information on the National Institute on Media and the Family's anti-smoking curriculum Smoke and Mirrors. Carnegie Report on Adolescents , 1995. FDA Deputy Commissioner statement before U.S. Senate Sub-committee, February 10, 1994.