Every May 31, WHO and its partners celebrate World No Tobacco Day to promote effective policies to reduce tobacco use. The Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death in the world. And most adult smokers started smoking as teenagers.
Smoking has existed since adolescence, which is why it is so important that you talk to your sons and daughters. A habit that is started innocently has important long-term consequences. We propose some tips to address this important issue, with which we cannot look the other way.
Basic premises against smoking in adolescence
Although it is obvious, and we have already commented on several topics, children learn, at any age by example. Therefore, if you want to avoid smoking in your children's adolescence, you will have to quit smoking yourself, if you do. Take the opportunity. Even if you can't, don't miss the opportunity to talk to your child about the bad habit of smoking, don't smoke in front of him.
If you've smoked and quit, you can speak knowingly about the attraction of tobacco. How has he been led to believe other generations that smoking is a way to be independent, and rebels. But that is already over, even if you feel that your adolescent does not hear anything you say, tell them anyway. There is nothing more provocative in adolescence than breaking the stereotypes of the past.
Be strict, do not allow him to smoke at parties, if he has exams or is nervous. No means no. Smoking, ordinary or electronic cigarettes are not allowed. At the same time, understand why your child has decided to smoke. Smoking can be the consequence of low self-esteem, search for belonging ... that is the issue that must be solved, through other means.
Tricks for your son or daughter to quit smoking
Sometimes against teenage smoking, compelling arguments don't work as well as those that appeal to one's own ego. If you see that your son or daughter smokes, tell them that they will have bad breath, that clothes do not smell good, their hair and skin are dry. When a boy or a girl starts smoking right away their fingers and teeth are yellow, remind them of how beautiful they were before.
Another important thing for teenagers is the issue of money. Smoking is expensive, get him or her to Calculate the weekly or monthly cost of the tobacco you use. Compare this savings with something your child likes, a skateboard, clothes, dragging, a more modern phone. It is important that you understand that this money will be available for other things.
If your son or daughter is an athlete, it is possible that they do not smoke regularly, but it may fall into the sporadic. Tell him how his energy will decrease for his physical activities. Support your child if he asks for your help to quit smoking. Congratulate him on the decision and give him the tools he needs to refuse cigarettes. It can be as simple as saying: No, thank you.
Adolescence and tobacco use
In Spain the start of cigarette use, according to 2019 data, is at 14,1 years. A little over half a year after this first cigarette, daily consumption is consolidated, which on average is established at 14,7 years. And all this with the knowledge of adolescents who are aware that tobacco use is one of the major causes of death.
These teenagers know the dire consequences for their health, with dental deterioration, metabolic damage, cough, increased phlegm, decreased physical fitness and finally, respiratory problems. However, knowing all these consequences does not deter them from smoking a cigarette or other ways of approaching tobacco.
Among the types of tobacco products consumed by male and female students in secondary schools includes electronic cigarettes, hookahs, cigarettes, small or fine cigars such as Swisher Sweets or Black and Mild, smokeless tobacco, pipes, snus (oral tobacco), bidis (rolled tobacco cigarettes), and soluble tobacco.