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Teenage Smoking Prevention Tips

It's a fact: The earlier people start smoking, the more likely they will be smokers for life. This is why preventing children and teenagers from picking up that first cigarette is so important. Kids should be made aware of the truth about smoking and the enormous health risks involved. There are many public programs available in schools and the community to help prevent smoking. The biggest influence on children, however, is their parents.

  1. Practice What You Preach

    • If you lecture your child about not smoking and then light up a cigarette yourself, he or she won't take what you say seriously. Your smoking will tell your kids that smoking is OK. Practice what you preach and make your home a smoke-free environment. This includes asking guests to take their smoking outside and away from other people. If you are a smoker, give your kids the ultimate gift and quit. Letting them become a supportive part of your quitting process will demonstrate to them the difficulty of quitting and will also show them how important the issue is to you.

    Start Early

    • If your child has not started smoking by the time he graduates from high school, chances are he never will. This is good news because it means that you have all the time to influence your kids while they are still under your wing. Never think that it is too early to start talking about smoking with your child. Even young children are exposed to smoking in the movies, on television and out in the world. Let them know that your family is against smoking and that it is not a cool thing to do.

    Talk to Your Teen

    • The single most important thing that you can do to help prevent your teenager from smoking is to talk about it. You may assume that she has already learned the dangers of smoking from school programs and health classes, but it needs to also come from you. Approach the subject with an open and conversational tone rather than lecturing and threatening. Create an environment in which your son or daughter will feel safe to open up and ask you questions.

    Work on Self-Confidence

    • Many kids start smoking because they lack self-confidence. Smoking may offer them a way to fit in with a group of kids and seem cool. Foster a sense of self-confidence in your teen with constant encouragement, praise and love. Recognize your child's unique abilities and create an environment where he can excel. If your child feels that she has a specific skill or strength, it will foster a sense of individuality and confidence. Children with confidence are less likely to look for ways to impress their peers and will feel comfortable with themselves.

    Support Anti-Smoking Campaigns

    • Nearly all public schools have some sort of program that aims to prevent smoking in children. If your child's school does not have a program or it is not very active, talk with other parents about starting a smoking prevention program. Become active in these programs by volunteering your time. Besides preventing smoking in the first place, offering smoking cessation help will let kids feel they have someone to turn to if they want to quit.

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