Students in Alabama and across the country are speaking out against tobacco.
Today marks the 21st annual Kick Butts Day, organized by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. Each year, students along with teachers, health advocates and other activists encourage children to avoid tobacco use, and urge lawmakers to work harder to keep tobacco products away from children.
In Alabama, 14% of high schoolers report smoking cigarettes – significantly higher than the national average of 10.8%. Nearly 25% report using e-cigarettes or vaporizers, which advocates say are marketed directly to children with colorful packaging and sweet, candy-like flavors.
Vince Willmore is the Vice President for Communications of the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids. He says there are a lot of activities planned for kids today.
“They’ll learn about what’s in a cigarette, and other tobacco products… Signing a pledge wall and pledging to be tobacco-free. But in addition to what kids are doing, it’s important that adults and especially elected officials stand with kids and support strong policies to reduce tobacco use.”
Kick Butts events are planned across Alabama. For a map of all verified events, head to http://www.kickbuttsday.org/map