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Childhood Smoking

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Childhood Smoking

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Childhood smoking is not a thing of the past, but a very real problem, with some kids starting to smoke at around the age of 11 or 12 and about 60% of American children having tried smoking before they leave school.

 

The earlier that children become habitual smokers, the more likely it is that smoking will kill them. In fact, more than 5 million of today's children can expect to die prematurely from diseases related to smoking. And 90% of aludlts who smoke had their first cigarette before the age of 18. (Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids)

In the UK, around 1% of 11 year olds are regular smokers, but by the time children reach 15, that figure has risen to 21%, with an estimated 300,000 regular smokers in the 11-15 age range. (BHF)

Why do children smoke?

There are a number of reasons, including peer pressure, the need to rebel, the desire to experiment, the belief that smoking is cool, and the fact that other members of their family smoke.If you are concerned about your children smoking, the best thing to do is set a good example and if you are a smoker, stop smoking yourself.Otherwise, trying talking to them, but in an open and non-confrontational way. Make sure they are aware of the dangers, but don't give them a hard time.


Remember what it was like to be a teenager? You didn't want to listen to your parents and were likely to do the opposite of what they told you to do.

Getting your kids involved in regular exercise at an early age is a good way of preventing them taking up smoking. They'll get out of breath quickly if they smoke and do strenuous exercise and thus are less likely to try smoking.

Try being more interested in them and what they want to do with their lives. Encourage them to develop their talents and the skills they enjoy. Helping them to feel better about themselves and to become more fulfilled will make it easier for them to recognise and stop habits which are harming them.

 

 

 

 


 


 

 

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