Types of Media:

Media is a strong social and cultural influence

Listed over the next few pages are the most common types of media used to advertise alcohol, tobacco and other drugs and a brief description of each.

Television

You are missing some Flash content that should appear here! Perhaps your browser cannot display it, or maybe it did not initialize correctly.
Youth who watch television can be exposed to alcohol - and in some countries cigarette - advertising, that may occur at all times of the day and evening. Regardless of the network or time of day, advertisements and programs containing promotion of drugs and drug use are common. Remember, youth who watch people smoking on television are strongly influenced by these images and are more likely to start smoking.

Types of Media: Internet

You are missing some Flash content that should appear here! Perhaps your browser cannot display it, or maybe it did not initialize correctly.

Youth having access to the World Wide Web without restrictions are able to view many types of advertising and images that promote the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Using the internet to obtain information (which may or may not be accurate), shop, communicate or be entertained can still expose youth to countless advertisements and images about drug use. And many youth may spend more time logged-on than they do engaging in other activities during their waking hours.

Types of Media: Print

You are missing some Flash content that should appear here! Perhaps your browser cannot display it, or maybe it did not initialize correctly.

Magazines, billboards, newspapers, posters, contests, clothing and other posted advertisements that contain images promoting use of alcohol and tobacco are widespread media formats that youth are exposed to daily, both intentionally and unintentionally. For example, tobacco advertising is placed in store checkout lanes, or at gas and petrol stations because these are places where adults purchase them. Whether or not you use tobacco, your child is exposed to this type of advertising when they see these messages.

Types of Media: Radio and Music

You are missing some Flash content that should appear here! Perhaps your browser cannot display it, or maybe it did not initialize correctly.

Youth may be exposed to radio advertisements for alcohol and song lyrics that encourage use of drugs. Music downloads have become available online for no or low cost. Purchase of explicit lyrics recordings does not require proof of age or parental approval.