You may work on this in groups of up to, but not exceeding, 3 people.

The causes of adolescent substance use are multifactorial, but the media can play a key role. Tobacco and alcohol represent the 2 most significant drug threats to adolescents. More than $25 billion per year is spent on advertising for tobacco, alcohol, and prescription drugs, and such advertising has been shown to be effective. Digital media are increasingly being used to advertise drugs. In addition, exposure to PG-13– and R-rated movies at an early age may be a major factor in the onset of adolescent tobacco and alcohol use.

FIRST: Read about the Language of Persuasion, so that you understand some of the techniques the media uses to persuade you.

NEXT: Study media messages aimed at youth and analyze how they may encourage or discourage use of the addictive substances we have been learning about/discussing. You must find at least 8 strong examples. These could include magazine advertisements, articles, television commercials or shows, films, social media….

LAST: Decide how will you present this information? Prezi? Poster board? …? What would work best for the examples you have selected?

Your presentation must include a written explanation which identifies both the persuasive technique(s) used and how each example could encourage or discourage use.