Youth Smoking Prevention Parent Resources Now Available In Spanish; National Television Ad and Website Remind Parents to Talk to Their Kids about Not Smoking

"Research has repeatedly shown that parents are one of thegreatest influences in their children's decisions about not smoking,"said Rafael Art. Javier, PhD, clinical professor of psychology and anadvisor to Philip Morris USA's Youth Smoking Preventions parentcommunications initiative. "Knowing how to talk with your child aboutnot smoking can go a long way toward preventing him or her fromsmoking or helping your child quit."

According to a recent study published by the Centers for DiseaseControl (CDC), 21.6% of Hispanic high school students reported currentcigarette use(1). The CDC also reports that nearly 22 percent of highschool students nationwide currently smoke cigarettes, down from about36 percent in 1997.(2)

"We are pleased that youth smoking rates have declinedsignificantly since 1997," said Howard Willard, executive vicepresident of corporate responsibility for Philip Morris USA. "As themanufacturer of a product intended for adults who smoke, that hasserious health effects and is addictive, we believe we have a role toplay in helping to prevent kids from smoking."

In addition to the national television advertisement, PhilipMorris USA has launched the online Parent Resource Center in Spanishat www.philipmorrisusa.com/es/prc. This website has expert-based tips,tools and activities to help parents talk to their kids about notsmoking.

The Parent Resource Center also provides a free, downloadablebilingual brochure called Educando a los ninos para que no fumen(Raising kids who don't smoke) that offers additional information forparents on ways to start the conversation and helping to resist peerpressure. The brochure includes:

-- The latest news on youth smoking

-- Tips on finding a good time to talk

-- Ways to help your kids say no to peer pressure

-- Extra information for parents who smoke

This brochure, and other free resources in the Raising Kids WhoDon't Smoke series can be ordered on the Parent Resource Center atwww.philipmorrisusa.com/es/prc or by calling 1-800-768-7297.

(1)Tobacco Use, Access, and Exposure to Tobacco in Media AmongMiddle and High School Students -- United States, 2004, Centers forDisease Control, MMWR, April 1, 2005 / 54(12);297-301

(2)Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance, 2003 -- United States,Centers for Disease Control