'Cute', slim cigarettes attracting teenagers: Survey

It's time to be extra-careful with your teenaged kids as a recent survey suggested that they are attracted to slim cigarettes as they find these "cute".

According to a recent study published in the European Journal of Public Health, slim and super slim cigarettes with white filter tips and decorative features are making way into the lives of most of the teenagers who describe these as "cute, classy and feminine".

The teenagers rated slimmer brands as weaker and less harmful than "smelly and disgusting" brown cigarettes, which were viewed as "really, really strong" and "old-fashioned".

The findings of the research, which highlights how different styles and designs of cigarettes and tobacco packaging can be more attractive to young people, are being issued alongside a new film, which reveals how tobacco companies are recruiting young people to make such products, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

Cancer Research institute based out of London has launched the film online Wednesday as part of its ongoing campaign for standardised tobacco packaging to protect young people from tobacco marketing.

"The evidence shows children are attracted to glitzy, slickly-designed cigarettes packs and every year more than 207,000 UK children between 11 and 15 start Smoking."

"We are urging the government to introduce standardised packaging to discourage these children from starting this life-threatening habit and to prioritise children's health over tobacco company profits," said Harpal Kumar, Cancer Research UK's chief executive.

--Indo-Asian News service

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