Prevention of Smoking

According to the American Lung Association, 3,600 children between ages 12 and 17 smoke their first cigarette every day. Approximately 1,100 of these children will become addicted, and half will die as a result of their addiction. To prevent these statistics from becoming a harsh reality, parents and communities need to work together in an effort to decrease teen smoking.

The Dangers of Adolescent Smoking

• Though smoking at any age poses horrific health risks, the risks are even greater for adolescents and teens who become addicted.

  A fact sheet printed by the American Lung Association in March 2009 states that a lifelong addiction to smoking typically forms during these formative years. As if this isn't enough, numerous health risks accompany smoking at such a young age. These include decreased lung growth and function, an increase in the number and severity of respiratory infections and decreased physical activity.

Open Communication

• The first step you can take as a parent is to keep open lines of communication with your child. Some teens may inhale that first time because their friends are pressuring them to do so, not because they really want to. If your teen feels comfortable enough to talk openly with you, he may bring his concerns to you. This is when you have the opportunity to change his mind and help him understand that the dangers far outweigh the need to be cool.

Educate Your Child

• Though this may sound redundant, knowledge truly is power. If your teen has friends who are smoking, they may be filling her head with myths about smoking that just aren't true; myths that make her believe there aren't any health repercussions that accompany her habit. You have the power to change this.

  Begin by showing her statistics, stating the number of teens who actually become addicted and ultimately die because of smoking. Then gather a list of the more than 4,000 chemicals and carcinogens found in every cigarette; knowing she is smoking a pesticide may take the appeal out of lighting that next nicotine stick. Finally, call your local hospital and ask if you can bring your teen to visit some of the children who are sick with cancer. The children will enjoy having visitors and your teen can see first-hand how cancer affects an otherwise healthy body. It may just hit home seeing children her age stricken with a disease that can ultimately result from smoking.

Work With His School

• Many schools offer teens the option of participating in SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions). If your teen's school offers this program, ask how you can help in any campaign it is running at the time, whether it be anti-smoking, anti-substance abuse or a campaign against drinking underage. You can also introduce your child to the teacher who runs the group and spark his interest in joining.

  If his school does not participate in this program, contact your local SADD office and obtain the information needed to begin the program in your district. You may also need to speak with the school board to receive permission and ensure there is funding as well as a teacher who is willing to run the program.

Set a Good Example

• This is perhaps the most important aspect of prevention, and it all begins with you. Though it may be hard to believe at times, your teen watches everything you do, mirroring your actions. If you tell her it's unhealthy to smoke and have a cigarette in your hand while you talk to her, she's quite likely to laugh at you. But if you tell her you are willing to quit for your health and hers, she may reconsider her decision to start smoking herself.