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Students take action against negative Super Bowl ads

By Staff Writer

Lawmakers have targeted negative advertisements that promote alcohol use during widely-viewed television programming, but teenagers are beginning to take their own proactive measures by speaking out against underage drinking.

The Super Bowl is viewed by millions of Americans annually, and this year was no different. In an effort to counter the alcohol commercials aired during the event, a national competition was held, which asked young adults to submit their own anti-drug ads. Approximately 63 entries were submitted in the Free the Bowl contest from 10 different states. Oscar Chan, 20, was named the winner for his project titled, "Wherever I go."

Chan said that he entered the contest to make a difference by fighting the negative advertising regularly aired on television. Michael Scippa, the Free the Bowl contest director, stated that all of the entries displayed endless creativity and talent. Scippa also noted that this competition has proven that many adolescents are aware of how advertising can negatively impact future generations.

Kids who drink alcohol are more likely to perform poorly in school and display negative behavior, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Drug rehab programs can help children who have started using substances for recreational purposes.