299 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Chapter 9 Tobacco and Vaping These products have names that sound like sugary snacks more than addictive tobacco products. To advertise these products, some tobacco companies copy popular social media trends to appeal to young people. To resist these strategies, use critical thinking skills to analyze tobacco products and the messages from tobacco companies (Figure 9.21). People who understand the manipulative nature of tobacco advertisements are able to resist them better. Analyzing advertisements can remind you about the serious consequences of tobacco use. Use Refusal Skills Resisting pressure to begin smoking, vaping, or chewing tobacco can be challenging. You may feel this pressure from your peers and from the media. Luckily, refusal skills can help you prepare for and respond to situations that may involve tobacco use. Refusal skills are strategies you can use to stand up to pressures and influences that want you to engage in unhealthy behaviors. These skills can help you in situations when you feel pressured to try tobacco. Strong refusal skills help you stick to your own beliefs and values in the face of peer pressure. If you do not want to use tobacco products, spend time with people who feel the same. Make sure these people know you do not want to use tobacco products or inhale their secondhand smoke and aerosol. Firmly explain the reasons behind your decision. Then stick to your decision and refuse to give in (Figure 9.22). Analyzing Tobacco Advertisements 1 Identify that the content is an ad. What is being sponsored? 2 Identify the products or service being sold. Do you notice any reference to a tobacco product? 3 Identify the target audience for the ad. How old are the actors? 4 Identify the advertising techniques used. What mood is portrayed? Does the ad use fun music and flashy graphics? Figure 9.21 Smoking and vaping advertisements are designed to make tobacco products appear cool and harmless. Examples of Responses to Refuse Tobacco Share Your Reasons I don’t want my breath to smell. No thanks. I want to keep my lungs clear for swim season. Emphasize Health Risks Vaping has nicotine, and I don’t want to get addicted. My uncle got lung cancer from smoking, so no thanks. Change the Subject Have you seen this video? It’s hilarious! Is anyone else hungry? I could go for tacos. Exit the Situation I’m meeting a friend to work on a class project. My brother just texted. He is here to pick me up, so I need to go. Figure 9.22 Saying no to your friends can be extremely difficult, but having a few practiced responses in mind can help when faced with peer pressure. What skills help a person stand up to peer influences and pressures?