A Bronx girls' Catholic school is encouraging students to quit or, better yet, never start smoking.

The Academy of Mount St. Ursula hosted "Kick Butts Day" as part of a national movement that aims to empower youths to avoid the unhealthy habit. 

Activities included an open-mic event, during which students used poetry and art to express their thoughts about the tobacco industry. 

"In New York City, we know that there are more than 9,000 tobacco outlets," said Vonetta Dudley, of NYC Smoke-Free. "We don't need our kids to have access to these tobacco retail stores, where they can easily buy tobacco products and use them."

Organizers believe it is important to influence young people before it is too late.