Youth Across Connecticut Speak Up in Support of Raising the Tobacco Sales Age to 21

HARTFORD, Conn., March 21, 2018  /PRNewswire/ -- Mobilize Against Tobacco for Connecticut's Health (MATCH), is partnering with Connecticut youth leaders who are standing out and speaking up in support of raising the minimum tobacco sale age to 21 .Youth are hosting events across the state to give their communities a chance to share their reasons for supporting tobacco prevention efforts including increasing the age of sales for tobacco products to 21.

"Tobacco 21 is important to me because I want the youth to be healthy and prevent nicotine addiction at a young age," says Reitsuma Panta, 20, a junior at Southern Connecticut State University. "I also want a cleaner environment for the younger generation to grow up in."

About 95% of smokers begin smoking before the age of 21. Individuals who begin smoking at a young age are more likely to become addicted, become heavier tobacco users as adults, and have difficulty quitting. By delaying the age when people first experiment or begin using tobacco, we can reduce the chance that they become lifelong tobacco users.

"People under 18 are receiving tobacco from friends," says a 7^th grader from Rogers Park Middle School in Danbury. "This is not acceptable." Raising the tobacco sale age to 21 limits teens under 17 from obtaining tobacco from older friends — greatly decreasing their risk for developing a daily nicotine addiction. "Vaping is so common among teens that people think it is normal. But it's not," says Jessica from Torrington.

Northwestern and western Connecticut students attended an informational forum with Representative Michele Cook on Monday and shared their thoughts about tobacco-free communities. At Kick Butts Day events taking place throughout the state, youth leaders are collecting photos and talking to community members about their reasons for supporting Tobacco 21.

About Tobacco 21 CT
Tobacco 21 is an educational campaign to generate statewide awareness and support for raising the minimum tobacco sales age to 21 in Connecticut. This initiative is implemented by concerned citizens, parents and organizations across Connecticut. For more information or to share your support, visit www.Tobacco21CT.com.

About Kick Butts Day
Kick Butts Day is a national day of action for youth to stand out, speak up, and seize control against tobacco. Youth groups across the U.S. are marking the day with school and community activities to protect youth from tobacco. For more information visit http://www.KickButtsDay.org/.

MEDIA CONTACT
Michele Sok, (475) 212-6222

SOURCE Mobilize Against Tobacco for Connecticut’s Health