Watching R-Rated Movies Encourages Kids to Smoke

Even though smoking ads have been banned from television, movies can play a major role in encouraging kids to start smoking. A study from the University of Massachusetts Medical School showed that sixth graders who watch R-rated movies are most likely to smoke.Several studies have shown the influence of media on smoking habits. This is another study which proved that a strong link exists between watching R-rated movies and smoking among kids.

The Study by the University of Massachusetts Medical School
This study by the University of Massachusetts Medical School included about 1200 Massachusetts youngsters. The youngsters, who were in sixth grade when the study started in 2002, were interviewed 11 times between 2002 and 2006.

The participants were asked several questions regarding their access to cigarettes, if smoking was permitted in their home, and if they were allowed to watch R-rated movies and videos. The researchers analyzed the data and came with the following conclusions:

According to the researchers, kids who believe it is easy to get a cigarette are more likely to start smoking. Watching R-rated movies has a strong relationship with kids taking up smoking.

This study shows that kids are vulnerable to movies which show smoking as being successful and fashionable. Hence, parents should be mindful of the movies their kids watch to reduce its influence.

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