THE American Academy of Pediatrics is calling for a ban on all tobacco advertising in the US, plus restrictions on alcohol and prescription drug-related ads. Smoking and drinking are also glamorised in movies and TV programmes, it says, and this should be reduced (Pediatrics, ).
The authors of the policy statement argue that while parents and teachers are urging kids to stay away from smoking and drinking, the $25 billion spent each year in advertising glamorises it – sending confusing messages to children.
The AAP refers to various studies in its report. One suggests advertising could be responsible for…
