More than a decade since cigarette ads towards teens were restricted, a new study has found that the R.J. Reynolds tobacco company may have influenced young girls to smoke by marketing a brand of cigarettes to them in magazines that target teen girls.

In the study girls were asked, “What’s the name of the brand in your favorite cigarette ad?” A whopping 22% (up from 10% just four years before) chose Camel, made by R.J. Reynolds. Experts say the very feminine, pink ads for Camel No. 9 cigarettes in Glamour and Vogue are to blame. The greater concern, however, is that kids who can tell you the brand of their favorite cigarette ad are 50% more likely to take up smoking.

“The ads have imagery that is girl-life,” said Cheryl Healton of the anti-tobacco group American Legacy Foundation. “Pink on the packaging. Describing the cigarettes as light and luscious.”

In a prepared statement, R.J. Reynolds responded, “When Camel No. 9 was launched in 2007, all magazine advertisements for it appeared in publications whose readership was at least 85% age 18 or older.” But when you consider that their campaign included promotional giveaways, including flavored lip balm, purses and cell phone jewelry, you have to wonder…

What can you do?

Poll the students in your school to find out what they know about the effects of smoking.