Helping a Teen Quit Smoking

Sometimes, no matter what we do as parents, teenagers make unhealthy choices. Every single day in America, thousands of children and teens are making the unhealthy choice of smoking their first cigarette. Incredibly, almost half of them will become regular smokers. What they don’t know is that nearly one-third of them will eventually die as a result of their smoking. The average teen-age smoker starts at age 14 and becomes a daily smoker before age 18. Once they become addicted it is very hard to quit.

Facts about teen smoking

• Although teen smoking has declined in recent years, approximately 3 million teens currently smoke.

• In 2002, approximately 27 percent of 12th graders, 18 percent of 10th graders and 11 percent of eighth graders reported smoking within the past month.

• Despite state laws prohibiting the sale of tobacco to minors, tobacco is readily available to them. One study estimated that teen-agers consume 516 million packs of cigarettes and 26 million containers of chewing tobacco each year.

• A review of 13 studies of over-the-counter sales found that, on average, children and adolescents were able to successfully buy tobacco products 67 percent of the time—and vending machines are a primary source of cigarettes.

Teens often tell their worried parents that they are just smoking temporarily and that they can—and will—quit very soon. They underestimate the hold that cigarettes have on them and don’t believe that they will become addicted.

When asked, only 5 percent of smokers surveyed in high school said they would be smoking five years later. Studies show that almost 75 percent of these same teens are still smoking seven to nine years later.

How should you respond?

If you catch your young teen (pre-driving age) smoking, you should be very firm, with restrictions that will be remembered. The consequences for a second offense should be discussed at this time as well. Never bluff or threaten out of anger. Remember the goal is to prevent a horrible addiction from getting started.

Unfortunately, older teens do not spend much time worrying about their health. Fear of cancer or lung disease is not a compelling reason for most teens (and adults) to quit. Stick with, and even create, immediate, more tangible consequences of smoking. Remember, love the child—hate the smoking.

Suggestions for helping your teen

Do whatever it takes to discourage smoking. If your teen is in the early stages of smoking, taking away privileges is usually effective. If she is a daily smoker and tells you she can’t quit, then consider the following suggestions:

• Learn the facts about nicotine addiction and the smoking cessation process.

• Learn from him. Ask about his smoking: where, when, how much, etc.

• Encourage her to quit. Tell her you will help.

• Make it difficult for him to smoke by forcing him outside your home, or off your property. Do not let him smoke in your car or in front of you.

• Do not give her money for cigarettes.

• Establish a co-pay plan for doctor’s visits related to smoking, such as respiratory infections, bronchitis, etc.

• Show him the real cost of smoking. Show him what he could buy if he quits smoking for a few months. For example, two packs per day cost more than $180 per month.

• Create an incentive to quit by offering a reward for abstinence. Negotiate the reward with your teen—make it attainable and fun.

Remind your child that it is still your job to protect her from harm—no matter how old she is.

By Drew Edwards, MS
© 2001 Achieve Solutions