Program aims to snuff out youth smoking

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Young people were invited to attend a special screening of a program aimed at snuffing out youth smoking.

Our own Dr. Peter Ostrow presented: Stop Targeting Kids. It aired on Channel 4 Monday night. A group of students screened the program at the Smith Theatre. It offered a behind-the-scenes look at the tactics the tobacco industry uses to entice young people.

UB student Amanda Ayler said, "I remember seeing the images and thinking, "I really like them," but at the same time, I knew that it was very harmful to my health and I'm not sure kids get both of those messages."

Statistics show 33 percent of all youth experimentation with smoking can be directly linked to tobacco advertisements and promotional activities.