Tobacco and alcohol use in G-rated children's animated films

Context Tobacco and alcohol use among youth are major public health problem s, but the extent to which children are routinely exposed to tobacco and al cohol products in children's films is unknown. Objective To identify the prevalence and characteristics associated with to bacco and alcohol use portrayed in C-rated, animated feature films. Design All C-rated, animated feature films released between 1937 and 1997 b y 5 major production companies (Walt Disney Co, MGM/United Artists, Warner Brothers Studios, Universal Studios, and 20th Century Fox) that were availa ble on videotape were reviewed for episodes of tobacco and alcohol use. Main Outcome Measures Presence of tobacco and alcohol use in each film, typ e of tobacco or alcohol used, duration of use, type of character using subs tance (bad, neutral, or good), and any associated effects. Results Of 50 films reviewed, 34 (68%) displayed at least 1 episode of toba cco or alcohol use. Twenty-eight (56%) portrayed 1 or more incidences of to bacco use, including all 7 films released in 1996 and 1997. Twenty-five fil ms (50%) included alcohol use. Smoking was portrayed on screen by 76 charac ters for more than 45 minutes in duration; alcohol use was portrayed by 63 characters for 27 minutes. Good characters use tobacco and alcohol as frequ ently as bad characters. Cigars and wine are shown in these films more ofte n than other tobacco or alcohol substances. Conclusions More than two thirds of animated children's films feature tobac co or alcohol use in story plots without dear verbal messages of any negati ve long-term health effects associated with use of either substance.