Girls Inc. teens aim to snuff out smoking

LYNN – Teenagers from Girls Incorporated of Lynn spent part of Wednesday at the State House in Boston aiding and participating in the effort to squash tobacco smoking.Representatives from the Lynn nonprofit were one of several groups in attendance at the Kick Butts Day celebration in Boston Wednesday, totaling over 150 teens.The teens met with legislators at the State House Grand Staircase highlighting the state’s attempts to fight tobacco use. Featuring adults and children working together, the event showcased local tobacco prevention initiatives and gave teenagers a chance to meet with local politicians to discuss issues and to build relationships with the men and women in charge of forming state tobacco laws.Legislators spoke with teens about activities both statewide and in their neighborhoods meant to educate peers and facilitate positive change, while teens shared inspiring stories about ways they have made a difference. Kick Butts Day was hosted by Tobacco Free Mass (TFM) and Representative Sean Garballey.During the event, TFM revealed poll data showing how residents feel about an increased tax on tobacco products other than cigarettes.”Kick Butts Day is a vibrant, informative annual event that strives to recognize the powerful work youth do every day to fight tobacco,” said TFM Vice Chair Dr. Rick Donahue. “Beyond rhetoric, these youth are taking action and making a difference.” Mass Youth Against Tobacco, a project of The Medical Foundation, is designed to engage Massachusetts youth ages 12 to 18 (or grade 7-12) in a statewide movement against tobacco.