Underage tobacco use is a complex issue for which there is no one simple solution. There is no single reason why young people engage in risky behaviors, such as experimenting with tobacco products, alcohol or drugs. Experts point to a variety of societal, environmental and personal factors that must be considered to help prevent these behaviors, and recommend a multi-faceted approach.
That’s why Altria (a Fair360, formerly DiversityInc Noteworthy Company) supports a positive youth development approach to help prevent underage tobacco use, emphasize positive relationships and activities, and reduce risk factors. This approach can help kids make healthy decisions and resist a broad range of risky behaviors, such as tobacco use.
Grounded in this theory and guided byAltria’s Standards for Underage Tobacco Prevention, the company invests in programs and creates an annual plan that is informed by societal expectations and comply with legal and regulatory requirements. Altria’s efforts include:
- supporting programs and organizations that positively influence kids and their decision not to engage in risky behaviors like tobacco use;
- supporting trade programs, retailer training and legislative efforts that help prevent underage access to tobacco products; and
- taking steps designed tolimit the reach of our brands and marketing materialsto unintended audiences.
