Tobacco Awareness Among Elementary School Students: Does Advertising Effect Children's Impression of Cigarette Smoking?

Authors

John D. Johnson, Georgia College & State University

Faculty Mentors

George Stone

Abstract

In 1996 the United States government began a series of lawsuits against the major tobacco manufacturing companies that have resulted in the elimination of major cigarette campaign slogans and/or characters judged to be aimed primarily at children. This action led to numerous state class-action lawsuits costing tobacco companies billions in future revenue. In their suit against tobacco companies, government lawyers successfully argued that tobacco companies had been deliberately marketing a dangerous product to the young. One of the more significant outcomes of this case was the elimination of the popular Joe Camel character.

In 1996 the United States government began a series of lawsuits against the major tobacco manufacturing companies that have resulted in the elimination of major cigarette campaign slogans and/or characters judged to be aimed primarily at children. This action led to numerous state class-action lawsuits costing tobacco companies billions in future revenue. In their suit against tobacco companies, government lawyers successfully argued that tobacco companies had been deliberately marketing a dangerous product to the young. One of the more significant outcomes of this case was the elimination of the popular Joe Camel character.

In 1996 the United States government began a series of lawsuits against the major tobacco manufacturing companies that have resulted in the elimination of major cigarette campaign slogans and/or characters judged to be aimed primarily at children. This action led to numerous state class-action lawsuits costing tobacco companies billions in future revenue. In their suit against tobacco companies, government lawyers successfully argued that tobacco companies had been deliberately marketing a dangerous product to the young. One of the more significant outcomes of this case was the elimination of the popular Joe Camel character. This study examines the effects of cigarette ad slogans and characters on attitudes toward smoking among younger children.

Recommended Citation

Johnson, John D. (2000) "Tobacco Awareness Among Elementary School Students: Does Advertising Effect Children's Impression of Cigarette Smoking?," The Corinthian: Vol. 2, Article 4.
Available at: https://kb.gcsu.edu/thecorinthian/vol2/iss1/4