Youth advocates say "ENUFF" to nicotine and tobacco

Hundreds of high school students and staff went to the Statehouse in Boston today to speak out against tobacco and nicotine use in Children. 22 News Statehouse reporter Olivia Ray has a look at this annual advocacy day and this year's focus. Youth advocates from across the state came to Beacon Hill on thursday speaking out against the influence of nicotine and tobacco companies on today's high schoolers. This advocacy day is dubbed E. N. U. F. F. Or enough day, which stands for ending nicotine use for the future and it's hosted by the 84 movement. When the 84 movement was founded, 84% of high schoolers did not smoke cigarettes. Now 97% of high schoolers do not smoke and the group is shifting their focus towards nicotine products that target young audiences like flavored vapes and nicotine pouches. One high schooler spoke about the power of youth voices when they come together. We all have power. No matter who we are, what we look like or where we come from, we will always have the power of our voices, our minds and of each other. The state's attorney general also spoke at the event, pointing out other issues that youth face today that her office is working to improve. Young people are facing a lot more than the issue that we will talk about today. We know there's an uptick in depression, anxiety, mental health concerns that our young people are experiencing and probably some folks in this very room. These young adults work towards ending tobacco and nicotine use through a racial justice lens, and right now they're focused on curbing nicotine pouch usage. Organizations from Beltertown, Greenfield and Springfield were among those advocating on Beacon Hill. Working for you from the statehouse in Boston. I'm Olivia Ray 22 News.