Students fight back against tobacco companies with ads

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(KSL News) The tobacco industry spends over $60 million a year promoting their products in Utah, but elementary school students around the state are fighting back.

A contest encouraging kids to design ads about the dangers of tobacco kicked off today in Salt Lake. Fourth- and fifth-graders visited Crowell Advertising to learn about creating an ad campaign.

With that knowledge, they will then create their own radio, TV and billboard ads to help other kids say "no" to tobacco and cigarettes.

Students fight back against tobacco companies with ads

"We use fourth- and fifth-graders because nobody can talk to a kid better than a kid. They know what the hot points are, they know what they like and dislike. And while we do know it from the outside, they know it from the inside. It's just a real perspective. It's authentic," said Tracy Crowell, with Crowell advertising.

The winner of the contest will receive a $400 prize and will see his or her ad professionally produced.