FDA Releases New Ads, including First Focused on Mental Health Effects of Cigarette Smoking among Youth
This week, the FDA’s “The Real Cost” Youth Cigarette Prevention Campaign launched two new ads and, for the first time, will focus on the negative mental health effects of cigarette smoking and withdrawal in an ad. One ad — “Auctioneer” — highlights the fact that cigarette withdrawal can lead to anxiety, and the other ad “Said Every Smoker Ever” — highlights the fact that 3 out of 4 teens who smoke will continue to smoke into adulthood.
These new ads aim to increase awareness that cigarette smoking can worsen the ongoing mental health crisis among teens. Research shows that a significant proportion of high school students experienced poor mental health during the past few years. Cigarettes smoking can lead to nicotine addiction, which can ultimately negatively impact teens’ mental health.