LEWISTON — Young people from Lewiston High School are joining thousands of kids across the country who took part in Kick Butts Day, a nationwide initiative that makes kids leaders in the effort to stop youth tobacco use.

Throughout the year, young advocates take part in a variety of activities to protect kids from tobacco, including working with elected officials to develop policies that reduce youth tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke and educating their peers about tobacco companies’ deceptive marketing practices.

On March 21, elementary, middle and high school students across the country participated in Kick Butts Day events. Youth activities included marching to state capitals and holding rallies; meeting with elected officials and holding flash mobs in busy community spaces.

“Kids are a powerful part of the solution to reducing youth tobacco use,” said Matthew L. Myers, president of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, which coordinates Kick Butts Day. “For Kick Butts Day 2012, kids are sending two important messages: they want the tobacco industry to stop targeting them with advertising and they want elected leaders at all levels to do more to protect them from tobacco.”