Smoking Effects

The surest way to stop teen smoking is to do all that you can to make sure it doesn’t start, stopping it before it starts. In the event however that  you find your teenager is in the habit already, take  heart, it is possible to work at ensuring that the habit does not become lifelong. The smoking teenager need not become a smoking adult.

Begin by understanding that the teenager has picked up the habit for any of several reasons : rebellion, to feel independent, or better about himself, cool and his fragile sense of identity; peer pressure ; because a parent or other admirable adults around him smoke; curiosity and fun ; and so on.

Next, put in place very open communication, avoiding getting angry, yelling or threatening. Compassion and support will be more effective here. The first thing is to categorically state that you do not approve of the habit at all. Be clear on that and that you wish to do everything to ensure cessation of smoking immediately.

Set a date with the teenager on which to start the stop smoking plan. Strengthen this by including other activities which involve himself like sport, scouting ,etc

Have heart-to-heart talks and educate the adolescent on the dangers of smoking – that smoking kills and causes many smoke-related diseases like smoking lung cancer, most of which have irreversible effects on the mind and body.

Talk about the effects of smoking, on his performance in school and sport activities ; possibilities of isolation by friends and that it is possible to progress into other forms of substance abuse.

Get outside help if need be like professional counseling.

Enlist also the support of other parents and the school in a quit smoking program. His friends should also feel welcome to visit and to talk openly about topics such as the dangers of smoking and the beauty and joy of smoke-free living.
Teen smoking, it is bigger than we think. Let us give our teenagers a chance and stop it.