Whereas, Tobacco use is the most common form of drug addition, causing disease and one of every four deaths in the United States; and

Whereas, Ninety percent of smokers began smoking as minors; sixty percent by the age of 14; and

Whereas, Approximately 4,000 American children become tobacco users every day, with 13 as the average age they begin smoking and 10 for using snuff; and

Whereas, Minors have no difficulty purchasing tobacco products; and 

Whereas, Many states have laws prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to minors; therefore be it

Resolved, That the National PTA urge its constituent bodies to seek the cooperation of their local law enforcement agencies to enforce existing laws regulating the sale of tobacco products to minors; and be it further

Resolved, That the National PTA urge its constituent bodies to encourage state governments that do not currently have laws relating to limiting the sale of tobacco products to minors to enact such laws; and be it further

Resolved, That the National PTA encourage its constituent bodies to seek state legislation that penalizes merchants who violate laws relating to the sale of tobacco products to minors either through retail sales or from vending machines and adults who furnish or buy tobacco products for minors; and be it further

Resolved, That the National PTA urge its constituent bodies to seek the support of the business community in complying with the existing laws and in appealing to them to voluntarily support parents in their efforts to assure the well-being of their children.

Adopted: by the 1989 Convention Delegates

Reviewed: by the 1993, 1994 and 1999 Convention Resolutions Committee