Health

Study Links Teen Smokers To Hollywood

By CBSNews.com staff CBSNews.com staff

January 31, 2002 / 8:41 AM EST / CBS

A new study from Dartmouth College found that when it comes to smoking, teens are particularly impressionable and Hollywood may take some of the blame.

More than 600 sixth through twelfth graders were surveyed. The researchers found those children whose favorite movie stars smoke on screen are more likely to have positive views of smoking or to smoke themselves.

"I think it has a major impact," says 19-year-old Mariola Tillman. "Unfortunately, it shouldn't. But as an actor, you're looked at as, 'Oh you're on TV or in the movies.' It's a big thing."

Tillman is a volunteer for Kick Butt, the American Cancer Society's anti-smoking campaign.

She says the number of smoking actors makes getting out her group's message an uphill battle.

The Dartmouth College study found of 43 big-name stars, 65% of their characters used tobacco at least once between 1994 and 1996. Other studies suggest tobacco use in films is three times are common as in real life.

"If kids are seeing media images of people smoking and smoking being portrayed as sexy, cool and a sign of rebellion, that's going to counteract all anti-smoking messages," says Chelsea Farley, the president and CEO of Zaphealth.com, a Web site for teens ages 13-21.

There are a number of postings on her site, from smoking and birth control pills to questions on how to stop smoking.

"A lot of them struggle with quitting once they start and they realize they're completely hooked," she says.

Over 4 million American teens are smokers.

Health experts consider nicotine more addictive than cocaine but because it can take years to produce negative effects like lung cancer, teens often don't heed the warnings.

The tobacco industry does sponsor anti-smoking campaigns like Phillip Morris' youth smoking prevention program, but critics charge that campaign actually encourages smoking by classifying it an adult-only activity.

"Every kid wants to be grown up," Dan Klotz of the American Cancer Society says. "To see this is as an adult thing, then kids are going to start jumping on this and they're going to start smoking."

It's unclear whether Hollywood will reduce the number of smoking roles.

CBS 2 contacted the Motion Picture Association of America for comment but a spokesperson said they had not reviewed the study and would not comment until they did.