Dr. Popkin takes to the streets to talk with real kids about smoking, what motivates them to not smoke, what they think about kids that do. Dr. Popkin’s realistic approach offers us an eye-opening glimpse into the minds of our youth. Check out some of the highlights below, view the video and download the full video transcript.
“Throughout these interviews I was really impressed by their knowledge about the subject of tobacco, their insights as to why kids smoke and why they don’t smoke and just their basic astuteness about the whole topic. ”
~Dr. Popkin
Street Interview Highlights
“Sometimes people ask ‘Do you smoke? Well, what’s gonna happen when you’re older?’ I’m like, I’m 15. I’m not going to think about that right now.
“ I think I was probably offered my first cigarette somewhere in my later years of high school.”
Why Do Kids Choose to Smoke
“When I found my first cigarette it was just a good feeling; it relieves stress.”
“If one person smokes, starts smoking it’s like a chain. Everyone starts smoking.”
Why Do Kids Choose Not To Smoke
“You don’t want to walk around smelling like an ashtray, your teeth are going to be all brown.”
“I’m a real independent thinker; I make decisions based on what I believe.”
Influencing Kids Not To Smoke
“Whether you’re currently a smoker, or whether you use to be a smoker
and gave it up. You still have the right, even the obligation, to take a firm stand with your
kids that it’s not okay with you and your family for them to smoke.”
