Trying to Outsmart Teens II

A 15 year, $15 million “showcase” program in Washington state designed to stop kids from smoking has failed. A study by the National Cancer Institute showed that the same percentage of children that went through the program smoke as those who didn’t attend the classes. The program was designed by “smoking prevention experts” at the Institute and included lessons to help children ignore “social pressures” to smoke, teach them about the health consequences of smoking, and how to resist advertising, peer pressure and “poor influences at home.” The Centers for Disease Control says smoking causes the “premature death” of 400,000 people in the U.S. every year, and adds $50 billion to health care costs. (AP) ...Have they ever tried asking them to take a non-smoking vow? That would be free.