Teens Give Up Their Mental Health for a Pack of Cigarettes in FDA Spot

The ad from FCB New York is the latest in the ongoing 'The Real Cost of Smoking' campaign

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Most anti-smoking PSAs focus on the long-term health consequences, like an increased risk of cancer. The latest effort in the Food and Drug Administration’s ongoing “The Real Cost of Smoking” campaign, developed in partnership with its agency of record FCB New York, examines the immediate mental health consequences.

The 30-second “Auctioneer” spot shows a group of teens bidding for a pack of cigarettes by giving up a good night’s sleep, their ability to concentrate and their peace of mind—all symptoms of anxiety that can be caused by cigarette cravings.

“Gen Z is very willing to engage in conversations about their mental health, so to introduce them to the science about nicotine withdrawal, cigarette cravings and anxiety is likely to resonate with them in a meaningful way,” Kathy Crosby, director of the Center for Tobacco Products’ Office of...

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