The younger you are when you begin smoking, the greater your risk for becoming an adult smoker, according to the American Lung Association (ALA). The organization explains that nearly 90 percent of regular adult smokers began smoking at or before age 19. With parental intervention, these statistics may decline.
Try to Understand
Before you can steer your teen away from a dangerous habit, you need to understand why he may be attracted to it. The Mayo Clinic recommends asking your teen how he feels about smoking; ask him why he thinks it's cool or disgusting. Doing this gives you a better understanding of what you may be dealing with.
Discuss Society as an Influence
While you have your teen's attention, discuss the influence of society in her life. Movies and TV play a major role in influencing your teen; they portray smoking as cool, and your teen may not understand how difficult it is to quit once you begin. Explain that actors are paid to send this message to their viewers, and follow up with statistics showing how difficult it is to kick this habit once addiction sets in.
Ask About Friends
The ALA and Mayo Clinic both suggest asking your teen about any friends who smoke. Follow this with a discussion about how to say no if they offer him a cigarette. If your teen tells you that no is a word he has already used, praise him for making a good choice.
Be a Good Example
The Mayo Clinic explains that teen smoking is more prevalent among teens whose parents smoke. If you are truly serious about preventing your teen from smoking, try quitting yourself. Smoking cessation aids are available, either by prescription or over the counter. As you attempt to quit, explain to your teen how difficult quitting is and why you do not want her to experience it for herself.
Be Prepared for Peer Pressure
Peer pressure can be one of the most difficult times in your teen's life. Though he may seem prepared to say no to a cigarette after you're discussion with him, it may be different when is facing his friends. Practicing his "line" is one way of making this easier for him. "No thanks, I don't smoke," is much easier to say when it is rehearsed multiple times with you.
The Younger the Better
The ALA suggests having discussions concerning tobacco use at the tender age of 5 or 6 and continuing these discussions through their teen years. The site explains that many children try their first cigarette by age 11 and are addicted by age 14. The sooner they know they truth, the better.
