Whenever a movie or television program shows smoking and/or drinking, it should be an automatic “R” or “TVMA” rating (meant for audiences above the age of 18). This supports laws that already exist prohibiting the sale of tobacco and alcohol to individuals under the age of 18. Promoting or marketing smoking or drinking to underage individuals in shows without showing it as “R” or “TVMA” rating is contrary to the goal of not selling these products to underage individuals.
Movie or television programs showing individuals under the age of 18 that to be cool, popular, or a rebel can only be done by smoking and drinking is a transparent marketing ploy that is designed to get children addicted.