A CRITICAL STUDY ON THE IMPACT OF MEDIA EXPOSURE TO TOBACCO, ILLICIT DRUGS AND ALCOHOLS ON YOUTH WITH REFERENCE TO CHENNAI
AUTHOR – GOWTHAM.P, STUDENT AT SAVEETHA SCHOOL OF LAW, SAVEETHA UNIVERSITY OF MEDICAL AND TECHNICAL SCIENCES.
BEST CITATION – GOWTHAM.P, A CRITICAL STUDY ON THE IMPACT OF MEDIA EXPOSURE TO TOBACCO, ILLICIT DRUGS AND ALCOHOLS ON YOUTH WITH REFERENCE TO CHENNAI, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 4 (2) OF 2024, PG. 774-786, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.
ABSTRACT:
Media exposure plays a significant role in shaping the perceptions, attitudes, and behaviours of young individuals. The pervasive presence of tobacco, illicit drugs, and alcohol in various media forms has raised concerns about its potential impact on youth. These substances are often portrayed glamorously in movies, television shows, music videos, and social media, potentially normalising their use and influencing young people’s decision-making processes. This study aims to investigate the types and frequency of media consumption among youth, identifying the primary sources of exposure to tobacco, illicit drugs, and alcohol, and to explore how these media representations influence youth perceptions and attitudes towards these substances. The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, prohibits advertising of tobacco products and mandates health warnings, while the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, bans advertisements of narcotics and regulates their control. Additionally, it seeks to analyse the correlation between media exposure and actual substance use behaviours, determine if there are significant differences in impact among different demographic groups, and provide insights for developing targeted interventions and public health campaigns. This research aims to contribute to the growing body of literature on media influence and youth behaviour, offering evidence-based recommendations for stakeholders, including parents, educators, policymakers, and media creators, to enhance prevention efforts and safeguard the well-being of future generations.
KEY WORDS : Media, Exposure, Young, Substances use, Parents.