Although Philip Morris USA manufactures and markets the world’s topselling tobacco products, the company interestingly has programs in place that aim to prevent young people from ever starting to smoke. Part of its educational arm is Youth Smoking Prevent
Through this initiative, American youth are educated on the importance of abstaining from drug and tobacco product use and abuse. Launched in 1998, YSP has worked hand-in-hand with more than 500 organizations across the country, offering resources that include a web site for parents to teach them how to develop conversations with their children about drugs, advice from experts, online quizzes and exercises plus a series of informative brochures that can be ordered.
“We are committed to ensuring that kids don’t smoke,” said Jennifer Smith, director, Youth Smoking Prevention for Philip Morris USA. “We work closely with retailers to help prevent children from having access as much as possible. Philip Morris also actively participates in the “We Card” program .
Additionally, we have Parent Communities where we furnish tip sheets developed by experts, an online Parent Resource Center and an interactive grant portfolio.” The “We Card” program, launched by the Coalition for Responsible Tobacco, is an initiative that engages retailers in youth smoking prevention.
The program offers incentives to retailers that adhere to restrictions, which include ensuring that advertising is only within two feet or less of tobacco products on the shelfand not in other areas of the store, placing signage that promotes the “We Card” program and requesting photo identification from people who are attempting to purchase tobacco products, but who appear to be underage.
“There are some retailers who do not abide by the rules, so they do not receive incentives,” said Jennifer L. Hunter, vice president, Youth Smoking Prevention & Corporate Responsibility Programs, Philip Morris USA. “It’s hard to monitor what all of our store locations are doing across United States, so besides the incentives, we put further checks and balances in place. We educate retailers on their responsibilities, and on our merchandising methods.”
Lastly, Philip Morris administers grant support to non-profit organizations to drive tobacco-prevention programs. To date, Philip Morris has worked with Big Brothers & Big Sisters of America, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Life Skills and 4-H Clubs, among numerous other groups that share their objectives.
All of this specifically to educate kids, parents and their guardians about the health hazards of tobacco use, and to prevent them from beginning to smoke-before it ever becomes a habit. More information on Philip Morris USA and its programs can be accessed by visiting www.philipmorrisusa.com. Real Times News Service. (AP)
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