World No Tobacco Day 2025: Unmasking the Appeal for Livingston County Families

May 31 is World No Tobacco Day, a time to spotlight the dangers of tobacco and nicotine products and the growing need to protect young children from the industries that target them.

This year’s theme, “Unmasking the Appeal,” sheds light on how tobacco and nicotine companies use deceptive marketing to hook the next generation. From candy-like flavors and flashy packaging to digital ads and vape pens that look like school supplies, these tactics are designed to attract youth, including children under 8.

At Great Start Livingston, we’re committed to ensuring every child in Livingston County grows up safe, healthy, and eager to succeed in school and life. That starts with supporting smoke-free, vape-free families and communities.

How the Tobacco and Nicotine Industries Target Kids

The World Health Organization is sounding the alarm: despite progress in tobacco control, companies are adapting. Their newest tactics are especially dangerous for families raising young children:

• Flavored products that mask the harshness of nicotine with sweet or fruity tastes
• Child-friendly packaging and product design (think vape pens that look like highlighters or USB drives)
• Digital ads and influencer marketing on platforms children use
• Deceptive labeling that downplays the risks of addiction

These strategies not only lure kids in, they make it harder to quit—and more likely that nicotine addiction will take hold early.

What This Means for Families in Livingston County

Even in our relatively healthy county, concerning trends exist:

• 20% of local adults report tobacco or excessive alcohol use
• 7% of babies are born low birthweight, a risk linked to prenatal tobacco exposure
• 4.2% of families access home visiting services that could offer tobacco cessation support

And as flavored e-cigarette use rises among teens, younger siblings are increasingly exposed to these products at home, at the park, and even in school.

What Parents and Caregivers Can Do

You are your child’s first and most important teacher and your choices shape their future. Here’s how you can act now:

✅ Talk openly with your kids. Even young children can understand: “Nicotine is something that tricks your brain and makes you sick.”
✅ Know what products to watch for. Some vapes look like toys or art supplies.
✅ Model tobacco-free living. Quitting nicotine sends a powerful message—and help is available.
✅ Need Help Quitting? Access free resources and support at Michigan Tobacco Quit Resources or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW.
✅ Join local efforts like the Great Start Family Coalition or our Physical Well-Being Workgroup to advocate for safer environments for children 0–8.

We Need Stronger Policies to Protect Young Children

According to WHO data, youth e-cigarette use now surpasses traditional cigarette use in some countries. In Europe, only 4 countries ban all e-cigarette flavors and just 11 prohibit advertising. We can’t allow that kind of gap in protections to grow here.

World No Tobacco Day 2025 is our call to action: Families, educators, and leaders must stand together to unmask industry tactics, support stronger regulations, and create tobacco-free spaces where young children can thrive.

Great Start Livingston Is Here to Help

At Great Start Livingston, we believe every child deserves to be safe, healthy, and eager to succeed in school and in life. That means supporting families, promoting wellness, and connecting parents to the help they need.

Our Physical Well-Being Workgroup brings together local partners to improve health outcomes, including prenatal health, tobacco prevention, and safe environments for children.

📬 Want to get involved?

Join us in building a stronger community for families of young children:

👉 Learn more about the Great Start Family Coalition
📍 Attend a Physcial Well Being Workgroup Committee Meeting or a Livingston County Community Alliance Meeting
📩 Contact us at RobinSchutz@livingstonesa.org

Together, we can expose the tactics and protect the future.
Let’s make Livingston County a place where every child can breathe easy and grow strong.