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Teens Against Tobacco Use (T.A.T.U)
 Since T.A.T.U. was introduced in September 1996 as part of a nationwide part of high school curriculum, the American Lung Association has educated over 400,000 children.
How does T.A.T.U. work?
T.A.T.U. enlists teens as "peer educators" to educate younger children, ages 9-12, about the tobacco use issues they face growing up. The teens use these issues as a benchmark for helping younger children remain tobacco-free.
T.A.T.U. trains adult volunteers first. Upon completion of training, these adult volunteers train teens who team up to teach younger elementary students in their communities about the importance of remaining tobacco-free. Through training, teens become consumer advocates who take a stand against the tobacco companies' targeting of the next generation of tobacco addicts.
During a day-long training session, the teen participants learn and practice, through a series of hands-on activities, how using tobacco controls so many lives and how tobacco companies manipulate all of us. They also learn the vital role they play in affecting younger children's life decisions and, in turn, take that knowledge to schools to reach children with their messages.
How is T.A.T.U. Impacting the Nation?
Beyond reaching 400,000 kids, T.A.T.U. teens across the country have been involved in advocacy issues in their own communities, which have broadened their roles as youth leaders and role models. They have used their training as a springboard to exercise their power to make changes related to where smoking is allowed, how cigarettes, chew and cigars are sold, where the products can be advertised and how much they cost.
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