Movies in 2011 displayed a dramatically higher level of cigarette smoking that in recent previous years. In a study conducted by the University of California, San Francisco, researchers who track tobacco use in films were surprised to discover that use of tobacco products in films directed toward children and young adults had increased by 36 percent over the previous year.
Period Films vs Fantasy and Fiction
Many of the top rated films that depicted tobacco use were period films in which cigarette and cigar smoking was common for the era. However, a large number of films were entirely fiction or fantasy and tobacco use served no historical purpose in the story. Movies such as The Help, The Killer Elite and The Rum Diary were squarely targeted toward adults. Movies such as The Green Hornet, Rango and X-Men First Class were targeted toward children and young adults. All of these films showed substantial use of tobacco products for main characters. They are also films that were viewed by thousands of children and young adults, since they were top box office performers.
To view the 2011 Top-grossing Movies with the most tobacco-related scenes click here.
Impact of Film and Television Viewing
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends substantially less television viewing for children and teenagers than is typical in most American households. They suggest that children under the age of two should not watch any television at all. They also suggest that after the age of two, children and teenagers should not watch more than one or two hours of quality, educational television daily.
Kids who watch large amounts of TV have higher rates of obesity, have more difficulty with academic performance and suffer from higher rates of depression and anxiety. Also, children who watch large amounts of violent television display more aggressive behaviors and have higher levels of anxiety. Children who also observe television and films with unhealthy behaviors such as smoking and alcohol use, are more likely to develop those same habits.
While parents cannot shield their kids from every unhealthy act in the world, they can set strict boundaries about what they allow in their homes. It is important to talk to your kids about what they see in movies and on television. By setting a healthy example for them with your own behaviors and being a good role model, your kids will follow your lead in their own lives.
What were your favorite films of last year? How do you think smoking in films should be depicted? Do you think it is okay in films for kids and teenagers?
– The Alternative Daily
