Background: The Australian Network on Young People and Tobacco (ANYPAT) is an active network of professionals who work in the area of youth smoking prevention and cessation. Representatives from Australian state and territory tobacco control agencies, the Commonwealth Government and New Zealand, aim to contribute to the reduction of smoking amongst young people by collaborating on initiatives, and sharing expertise and resources.

A key initiative of ANYPAT is the national implementation of The Critics' Choice an interactive school curriculum resource.

Strategy: This paper will focus on the success of The Critics' Choice, how it is conducted and its evolvement since it was first run in Australia in 1999. Key evaluation findings and future opportunities for further development will also be outlined.

The curriculum resource invites primary and secondary students to critique 12 anti-smoking advertisements from around the world. On a grading sheet, students rate each advertisement and nominate which advertisement is the most effective in encouraging young people to not smoke. Distributed free of charge as a DVD, The Critics' Choice includes the reel of advertisements and a teacher resource that comprises grading sheets and classroom activities.

Conclusion: In 2006, more than 50,000 Australian students submitted critiques of the advertisements. With participation growing annually and overwhelming positive responses from students and teachers, this year the initiative will be run in all Australian states and the Australian Capital Territory.