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Vaping Prevention & Education

Decode the Marketing Message

SIZING UP E⁠-⁠CIGARETTE MARKETING

One factor that people think contributes to the increase in teen vaping is the way e⁠-⁠cigarette companies promote their products. Follow the steps below to uncover the misleading ways e⁠-⁠cigarettes are marketed to teens.

1. RESEARCH

You will need to find two different advertisements for any product (other than e⁠-⁠cigarettes). These may include magazine ads, photos of billboards, or links to television or internet ads. You should choose one ad that you think is aimed at adults and one designed for teens.

2. ANALYZE THE MESSAGE

Analyze the messages delivered by the ads by answering the questions below within the corresponding text boxes:

3. DECODE THE MARKETING MESSAGE

E⁠-⁠cigarette companies often use advertising tactics that are misleading. Many companies try to persuade consumers that these products are beneficial to their health when they may not be. Answer the following questions within the corresponding text boxes to analyze how e⁠-⁠cigarettes are marketed and why the images and methods used by companies may encourage teens to try e⁠-⁠cigarettes.





4. KNOW THE REALITY

Now that you know the tactics that e⁠-⁠cigarette companies use to make their products more appealing to vulnerable populations, read the below credible resources to learn the facts about how vaping and e⁠-⁠cigarettes harm your health. While you read, think about what you are told in the ads versus what the scientific facts are.

5. CREATE YOUR OWN AD

Use what you've learned to create your own ad that educates teens on the harms of vaping.

Think about what platform would be most effective for reaching youth, such as posters, TV ads, blog posts, social media, or magazine ads. Make sure your ad grabs your audience's attention.