Teen smoking statistics are staggering; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated in 2008 that at least half of all high school students have used a tobacco product at some point and that more than a quarter of all adolescents currently smoke. Parents of teens know that controlling anything their children do is difficult even on a good day. Controlling smoking, however, may be a battle worth picking in order to protect your child's health.
Step 1
Talk to your adolescent about the health risks associated with smoking. Tobacco use in young people can lead to chronic diminished lung capacity and function, headaches, gum disease, heart disease, and loss of hearing or vision. Teenagers often think they are invincible and may not believe these health problems can affect them, but it's worth having a chat to try to get your point across.
Step 2
Introduce yourself to your child's friends and their parents, and stay in communication about the whereabouts of your children, whether the destination is hanging out at a friend's house, going to the movies or a party. If your teen knows that you and other parents are monitoring her actions, she may be less likely to engage in smoking and other risky behaviors.
Step 3
Keep your home a smoke-free zone. The American Cancer Society points out that teens are less likely to smoke if their parents are non-smokers. You're more likely to control smoking and prevent a beginning to the habit by setting a good example to your child and his friends, and also making it more difficult for smokers by asking them to smoke outside.
Step 4
Discuss smoking from a financial standpoint. Point out that smoking is an expensive habit to support, especially if your teen enjoys buying the latest cell phone, MP3 player or designer outfit. Limit the amount of spending money you give your kids if you are concerned that they will spend it all on tobacco products.
Step 5
Support your child if she has already started to smoke and wants to quit. Help her find a local support group or purchase smoking cessation products to help her curb the habit. Controlling adolescent smoking involves not only preventing kids from picking up the habit, but also helping them break it.
