By: Kelsey Goering & Emilie Gilde, BCHD Tobacco Program

Recently, a group of fourth grade students at Kipp-Harmony Elementary School created a photonovella about smoking and its effects on families.  Through a series of photos, the students portray a father who smokes to relieve his stress levels, negatively impacting the rest of the family, including a newborn baby.  With his family’s support the father is able to finally quit.  The photonovella paints a simplified picture of a very real issue: smoking and tobacco have a huge effect on youth.

Did you know that 90% of adult smokers started smoking before the age of 18?  Baltimore City is taking a stand against this staggering statistic.  As part of Kick Butts Day,  an annual event that takes place around the nation that encourage kids to speak up against Big Tobacco, Baltimore City youth spoke out about how tobacco impacts their lives.

How did we celebrate Kick Butts Day?  On Wednesday, March 18th, Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen joined Communities Engaged & Advocating for Smoke-Free Environments(CEASE) and other youth advocates at Reginald F. Lewis High School.  Dr. Wen and several young people took pictures holding signs with messages to tobacco companies.  These pictures and the accompanying messages are available on BCHD’s website at: health.baltimorecity.gov/kickbutts

So how can YOU help fight youth tobacco use?  Talk to your kids about the hazards of smoking and using tobacco products.  Speak up against Big Tobacco.  Organize an event at your school that lets youth advocate for their right to be smoke-free.  Walk around your neighborhood and pick up any smoking-related garbage.  Speak up and take a stand!

We have made amazing progress here in Baltimore City. Youth tobacco use is on the decline but we aren’t finished yet. Let’s end smoking for good.

For more information about Kick Butts Day, check out their website at http://www.kickbuttsday.org/.