Week 11

Tobacco use appears in 40% to 80% of popular teen and youth-rated movies while 50% to 95% show the use of alcohol. (Longacre, Par. 1). Is there any wonder why their is a growing rise in the over use of alcohol and tobacco with teens. One of the greatest ways to learn is through example or by observing. What are we allowing teens to learn by having such a great amount of tobacco and alcohol use being waved in front of them? Some tests have been done with teens and the effects of watching smoking in films showing that teens who are more restricted from watching films with smoking exposure the less likely to try smoking (Sargent, Par. 17). “Adolescent smoking increased with decreased parental restriction from viewing R-rated movies, with the impact being greater in nonsmoking families than in smoking families” (Sargent, Par. 15). These results go to show that parents need to be more aware of whether or not this is an issue to them. They need to consider whether or not it’s a problem to them if their child has a higher risk of smoking. There are many factors that affect whether or not a teen will initially begin smoking, but it is wise to remove instances that enhance the risk. The MPAA rating system has acknowledged that smoking, alcohol, and violence are strong factors influencing youth and has said they will work at implementing the following into their ratings (Longacre, Par. 2).

However, many would argue that it is unlikely to completely remove the viewing of films with smoking from our children. This can be described by a common cliche: Ignorance is bliss. Many would agree that this utterly and completely false in this circumstance! This is one of those situations where you want your child to know the consequences, yet keep them from watching many movies that involve the use of tobacco. Being ignorant to the effects of smoking does not prepare your child or teen for a situation in which they may be asked to join in in a group of young smokers. It is easy to agree with this argument; nonetheless, this opinion needs to recognize that there is a line you want your child to know the negative side effects of smoking, but that doesn’t mean now that he has been taught this he now has free reign over all movies involving the extensive use of it.