Every day Canadian youth become addicted to tobacco and become victims of tobacco tobacco industry marketing and manipulation. The Canadian Council on Tobacco Control estimates that each year, over 250,000 Canadian youth become new tobacco industry customers.
130 Canadians die every day as a result of a tobacco related disease.
More than 90% of adult smokers say they started smoking when they were teens.
The replacement customers for the tobacco industry are today's youth.
The average age that youth start to experiment with tobacco is 12.
Non-Smoking is the norm!
85.6% of Ontario students (grade 7 to 12) reported that they do not use any tobacco products according to the Ontario Student Drug Use Survey (OSDUS) for 2005. Smoking rates among students in grades 7 to 12 are almost half of what they were just 6 years ago! In 1999, 28.4% of youths reported smoking compared to 14.4% in 2005.
The tobacco industry uses marketing strategies to present a message to youth that smoking is normal and acceptable.
To learn more about the tobacco industry's manipulation of youth visit:
Hamilton Crew for Action Against Tobacco (HCAAT)
This website provides information from youth to youth regarding the unfiltered facts about the tobacco industry.
Stupid.ca
Created by the Ministry of Health Promotion, this website has excellent information on the health effects of smoking, ingredients in cigarettes, and tobacco industry product promotion
The Truth
This website has provides information on tobacco industry manipulation and ways to counter the tobacco advertising.
For more information about Tobacco visit:
National Clearinghouse On Tobacco and Health Program
The Clearinghouse Program serves as the central provider to health intermediaries of relevant, timely information related to tobacco control.
Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids
The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids is fighting to free America’s youth from tobacco and to create a healthier environment. The Campaign is one of the nation’s largest non-governmental initatives ever launched to protect children from tobacco addiction and exposure to second-hand smoke. Check out their ad gallery for examples of Tobacco Industry ads found in magazines.
BC Tobacco Facts
Tobacco Facts is a fun and interactive website about tobacco and tobacco related issues for kids, teachers and caregivers
Youth Empowerment and Mobilization
Youth have been successful in numerous jurisdictions at countering the tobacco industry’s branding and street marketing while simultaneously selling the concept of tobacco-free lifestyles to youth.
Teen Tobacco Summit
An annual one day youth summit aimed at providing local youth with the knowledge, skills and motivation necessary to become tobacco control advocates. Teen Tobacco Summit VI occurred on Wednesday, April 4th, 2007 at the Hamilton Convention Centre. See www.unfilteredfacts.ca for more information.
Teen Tobacco Challenge
High School Grants of $1000 per school are available from Hamilton Public Health Services for school groups interested in taking part in the 2007-2008 Teen Tobacco Challenge which focuses on student-led tobacco control projects. Since most people who start smoking are younger than 18 years of age, programs that prevent the onset of smoking during the school years are a crucial part of a comprehensive tobacco control program. School-based tobacco use prevention programs that identify the influences that promote tobacco use and teach skills to resist these influences can reduce youth smoking. Eligible High School groups include student groups, student councils, teachers, and parent organizations within Hamilton. Projects may include, but are not limited to, public education and awareness campaigns/events and smoking cessation related projects. Student driven tobacco control projects funded with a High School grant should support local activities.
Please contact the Tobacco Hotline at 905-540-5566 or by email at tobacco@hamilton.ca for more information.
Application forms will be accepted between now and October 31st, 2007.
For more information visit www.unfilteredfacts.ca/take_it_to_school.php or contact the Tobacco Hotline at 905-540-5566.
Hamilton Crew for Action Against Tobacco (HCAAT)
Youth led counter tobacco industry movement in Hamilton. Their mission is to expose the tobacco industry manipulation of youth through sharing of the uncensored and unfiltered facts. HCAAT welcomes all new members (tobacco user or not). Visit Hamilton Crew for Action Against Tobacco (HCAAT) and find information on HCAAT's past and future activities.
Engaging Students to be Tobacco-Free
Lungs are for Life
Lungs Are For Life is The Lung Association’s free school program for smoking prevention. It has been developed especially for Ontario teachers and students – from kindergarten through grade 12. The site includes lesson plans, black line masters, rubrics, and is cross-curricular and prepares youth to be tobacco-free. PDF copies are available to download. On-line activities are also available.
Contact Information
For information and free resources or to report a complaint about the Tobacco Control Act or Smoking By-law:
Last updated: May 31, 2007