Liar, Liar (Tobacco companies target kids)

Targeting Children Don't you hate being lied to?
The members of C.O.S.T. do, especially when we know the lies are hurting children. You would think there'd be laws to protect us, and there are a few. Why aren't there more... because the tobacco industry is powerful, and people are making a lot of money off of the deadly products they produce. That's what all the lies boil down to, MONEY, MONEY, MONEY! How much? Well, you're not going to believe this, but 840 packs of cigarettes are sold in the United States every second! That means a lot of profit for the tobacco industry. So much profit that they have lots of money to share with all those willing to help them lure kids into becoming regular customers. (They know that almost everyone who smokes started before the age of 18. That's why they work so hard to get kids to light up. If they don't trap kids into becoming customers, they won't have customers... and you know what that would mean.) So the lies continue. Who are these people who lie to children? They are the ones who run the tobacco companies and the advertisers they pay to think of ways to attract the attention of kids. They are the models and actors who try to make smoking look "Kool" and the magazine and billboard owners who allow tobacco ads which are directed to kids to be displayed. They are the lawmakers who protect the interests of the tobacco industry, because they are getting money from them too! So, what can kids do? They can become aware of the tactics used by the tobacco industry, get mad, and fight back! The members of C.O.S.T. want to show you some of the ways the tobacco companies trick kids into thinking smoking is "Kool."
	The tobacco people get the attention of children when they are very little. The RJR Reynolds Company is good at that. They know what kids like. They should! RJR makes Nabisco cookies and cereals. They also make Camel cigarettes! Take a look at this can. The edges are covered with race cars and motor cycles.
Notice the color. It's a shimmery purple and the inside of the can is a shiny gold...colors children love! Of course, Joe is on the lid, and look what's in his mouth! What message are they sending kids? You're right! Children think Joe is a cute character, and if he smokes, smoking must be O.K.
The people at RJR will deny making this to attract kids. Do you believe them? We don't, any more than we believe the makers of Newport made this race car mug for adults.
	World Candies Inc. is just as bad. They let children pretend to smoke with candy cigarettes. Look at the labels. Do they look familiar... the cowboy, the red package? Give us a break!!! If you think this is a terrible way for them to make money, why not drop them a postcard? Their address is: 185 30th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11232.
Visitors of our site have informed us that Necco, the same company that produces Necco Wafers, Mary Janes, Sweethearts, Mighty Malts, Haviland Thin Mints, and Chocolate Covered Raisins and Peanuts is another candy company that produces candy cigarettes. The company calls them "candy sticks", but they look just like those produced by World Inc. If you think that kids should not be exposed to them you can call the company at 1-800-225-5508. You may want to write the CEO, Domenic Antonellis, at: President, NECCO Candy Factory 134 Cambridge St. Cambridge, MA 02141 You can find a sample letter a concerned parent wrote to the company, as well as the company's response at: Necco letter. If you want to see a list of their other products, visit their site. Necco Products and click on the "Candy" icon. Why do you suppose they don't have their "candy sticks" listed with their other products? Imagine the same beautiful little faces that the company shows surrounded with candy hearts, but with candy cigarette butts hanging from their mouths! Shame on you Necco!
	Another tactic used by the tobacco industry is to turn minors into walking billboards. They know attracting kids is a wise investment. They need to replace their customers who are dying if they want to stay in business. (50% of the teens who smoke own tobacco gear.) To learn more about how the tobacco industry targets children, go to our "Magazine Ads" page.