Childhood
Smoking
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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