TV shows in America glorify the use of drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes and encourage youths to use them. The National Youth Anti-Drug Media CampaignÆs survey found that ô[youth] thought that, in general, TV glamorized violence and drug use; TV characters would use drugs, but there would always be a happy endingö (2002). The Center on Alcohol Marketing and Youth found that youthÆs exposure to alcohol ads on TV grew substantially from 2001 to 2002, with total youth exposure 80% higher than that of adults (2005). A new study shows that teensÆ smoking behavior is directly linked to the portrayal of tobacco use by their favorite movie stars (2001). Youths that enter the drug trade have at some point used drugs themselves, so glorifying drug use on TV promotes the eventual descent into drug trafficking on the part of some youths.
Teens are easily impressed by what they see on TV. Ads that promote drinking and smoking should be banned because they broadcast the message that these habits are acceptable and safe. Furthermore, youth tend to be passionate and cultish about shows and actors that they like. Teens imitate these actors in every detail from language to dress, regarding everything they do as ôcool.ö Many teens spend more time in front of the TV set than engaging in real life, and what they see becomes a virtual reality for them. Whether they see their favorite characters or just anyone engaging in bad habits, teens are influenced by what they see and need to be protected. Therefore, all images of drinking, drug use, and smoking should be banned from TV.
Testing the Anti-Drug Message in 12 American Cities. (2002). National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign. Phase 1 (Report No. 1, 3.1.1.2 Media Influences on Youth. Retrieved on June 28, 2005, from: http://www.mediacampaign.org/publications/message/section3_1_1_2.html
Executive Summary. 2005. Retrieved on June 28, 2005, from: http://ca
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