The placement of graphic images of the dangers of smoking directly on cigarette packaging in Australia is having some unintended effects on youths, some of whom are actively trying to collect the pictures, the Geelong Advertiser reported Aug. 13.

"We use them as trading cards," 16-year-old Glen Benton said of the images depicting cancerous lungs and rotting teeth. Other young smokers told the newspaper that the campaign that started in 2006 had a positive effect at first but did not maintain a lasting impact on them.

Yet a study from the Cancer Council Victoria that involved 4,000 students reported that the graphic labels have helped start discussions among youths about quitting smoking. The council reported that students have "a less positive image" of smoking since the advent of the campaign.

The Cancer Council study also found that the labels were highly recognized among youths, with 77 percent of students saying they had seen the cigarette packaging with the graphic images.

The newspaper spoke to service station owners who confirmed that young people often ask for packs with specific images when they purchase cigarettes. Benton added about one of the images, "If you cut out the picture of the rotten mouth you can stick it over your own teeth; it's a good joke."