Young people can become addicted to cigarettes in a very short time and can develop health problems well before they become adults. To prevent an adolescent from smoking, parents and caregivers must set a good example and take proactive steps when the child is young.
Avoid Smoking Yourself
Set a good example by not smoking yourself. Parental behavior has a great impact on teenagers, and the children of smokers are more likely to smoke themselves. Eexplain to your children that once you become addicted to nicotine, it is very difficult to overcome the addiction. Many adolescents often think that they can quit smoking without any trouble. Remove this misconception, and if you smoke, send a positive message by trying hard to quit. Keep your home smoke-free and disallow any family members or visitors from smoking indoors.
Explain the Consequences of Smoking
Adolescents may believe that the health effects of smoking are only applicable to older people. However, the immediate consequences of smoking include respiratory problems, cough, poor performance in sports and a higher risk of illness. Smokers often have bad breath, stained teeth and smelly clothes. Long-term consequences include cancer and heart and lung disease. Smoking can also lead to the early onset of wrinkles.
Discuss the Habit and Its Attractions
Peer pressure and a desire to appear grown-up or independent often contribute to adolescent smoking. Cigarette advertisements also portray smoking as an attractive, grown-up habit. Talk to your adolescent children and get their views on smoking. Explain to them that tobacco companies use advertisements to lure young people into smoking and to maintain their numbers of addicted customers. Ask if any of their friends smoke and encourage them to stay away from friends who pressure them to smoke.
Help Your Adolescent in Dealing with Peer Pressure
Peer pressure can be a powerful influence. Prepare your adolescent and rehearse ways to refuse cigarettes or other forms of tobacco. Help your adolescent come up with some valid reasons for refusal when a friend offers a cigarette. Some practice can go a long way to help your adolescent refuse a friendly offer or pressure tactics from peers.
Get Involved
Increase your involvement in your child's school and make sure anti-smoking policies are effectively in place. Schools must prevent smoking on the premises and during any events and activities. Schools must also educate students on smoking prevention and tactics to deal with peer pressure. Extend your support to laws and programs that prevent the marketing or sale of tobacco to children and youth. Keep informed about local strategies that prevent adolescent smoking.
