Talking to children about smoking
Children and smoking
are a bad combination. Statistics show that 90% of adult smokers started
smoking in childhood.
Children start
smoking for a variety of reasons. Some think it makes them look cool, seem
older, fit in with other kids, lose weight, or appear cool. Some do it just to
feel independent. Some people just do it because they've seen it all their
lives and think it's okay.
You should start
talking about tobacco use at age 5 or 6 and continue through your school years.
Many children start smoking before the age of 11, and many become addicted by
the age of 14. Try talking to your kids about smoking before school, on your
way to rehearsals or rehearsals, or after dinner.
Parents should make
sure that children understand the dangers of smoking. Smoking can cause cancer,
heart and lung disease. Short term effects include cough and throat irritation.
Over time, an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, as well as bronchitis
and emphysema, may develop.
The best ways to keep
children from smoking are:
- Encourage your children to get involved in activities that prohibit smoking, including sports.
- Keep talking to your children about the dangers of smoking. If friends or relatives have died from tobacco-related illnesses, let your kids know.
- Ask your children what they find appealing -- or unappealing -- about smoking.
- Discuss ways to respond to peer pressure about smoking.
- Know if your kids' friends use tobacco. Encourage your children to walk away from friends who don't recognize or respect their reasons for not smoking.
- Make, and abide by, strong rules that exclude smoking from your house.
- If you smoke, quit. It's important to set a good example.
- If you do smoke, let your children know that you made a mistake by starting and will try to stop.
- Never smoke in front of children, offer them cigarettes, or leave cigarettes where they can find them.
Certain signs may
suggest that your child is smoking. They include:
- Smoke smell on clothing
- Coughing
- Throat irritation
- Hoarseness
- Bad breath
- Decreased athletic performance
- Greater susceptibility to colds
- Stained teeth and clothing (which also can be signs of chewing tobacco use)
- Shortness of breath
If you notice any of these signs of smoking in your child, don't overreact. Ask the child first. For example, the smell of smoke on their clothes could mean your child is hanging out with friends who smoke. It could also mean that your child has tried a cigarette. Remember that many children occasionally try a cigarette, but do not necessarily become regular smokers.