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Youth Smoking Prevention & Marketing

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Some argue that minors start smoking as a result of advertising, but our advertising is not directed at kids. Youth smoking needs to be seen in the broader context of adolescent behavior and society in general. Causes depend on the country, region or culture, but there are some factors that are consistently present. They include peer pressure, parental or family influence and the desire to appear 'cool,' independent and more 'adult,' factors that also influence other risky behaviors associated with youth. Curiosity, experimentation, and resistance to parent or adult injunctions are also important features of youth behavior that have an impact on youth smoking.

Nevertheless, we recognize the concerns that society has about tobacco advertising. In other words, youth smoking prevention also means that JTI takes a responsible approach to how our products are marketed and sold around the world. We want to demonstrate that commitment through action not just words. In this context, JT International, in conjunction with several members of the international tobacco industry, has agreed globally consistent standards for our company's marketing activities around the world.

The standards impact marketing practices in many countries around the world. They cover all aspects of marketing including print, billboards, electronic media, promotional events, packaging and sponsorship. In countries where the standards exceed existing voluntary or legal restrictions, we are committed to work with regulators to see the standards incorporated into law, or into agreements that ensure effective local implementation. In countries where existing arrangements are more restrictive, those existing agreements or laws will of course continue to be followed.

View more detail on the International Marketing Standards.