Teens & Tobacco
More than 80% of daily adult smokers begin smoking before age 18. Nearly one in four high school seniors smokes.
Research suggests that parental attitude is very important when it comes to youth and tobacco use. If a young person believes that his or her parents would be upset if he or she smoked, they are less likely to smoke. Also, the credibility of a parent’s message decreases if he or she smokes.
Parental supervision and communicating with your children from a young age are important tools to help your child stay tobacco-free. Try these tips to help the young adults in your life make good choices.
- Listen: Don’t do all the talking.
- Educate: Inform your kids about the dangers of tobacco.
- Role play: Have your kids practice what to say if they are asked to use tobacco.
- Teach: Help your kids make wise decisions on their own.
- Be a role model: If you smoke, get help to quit.
Alternative Tobacco Products
Cigarettes aren't the only nicotine products that parents should be aware of. Use of electronic cigarettes is rampant among kids, teens and young adults. These products are not safer than cigarettes, and they are easy to get and conceal.
Juul is a brand of e-cigarette that looks like a USB device. Users inhale a vapor of liquid nicotine, flavoring and other chemicals. HEALTH RISK: Juuls contain nicotine, which is addictive and harmful.
E-cigarettes are smokeless devices that may look like cigarettes, pens or USB devices. Users inhale a vapor of liquid nicotine, flavoring and other chemicals. HEALTH RISK: E-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is addictive and harmful.
Hookahs are water pipes that create flavored tobacco smoke. HEALTH RISK: Users may inhale more smoke than cigarette smokers, because hookah sessions often last an hour or more. That means more exposure to nicotine's cancer-causing chemicals, plus other harmful ingredients.
Flavored cigars come in sweet flavors like cherry and vanilla. They are typically found in convenience stores and gas stations for a very low price. HEALTH RISK: Smoking flavored cigars causes cancers of the oral cavity, larynx, esophagus and lung.
Snus (pronounced snooze) is a type of smokeless tobacco that comes in small pouches. It's easy for kids to use snus discreetly. HEALTH RISK: Users may be at higher risk for cancers of the mouth, esophagus, stomach and pancreas.
E-hookahs or mods are a more complex vaping device that allows the user to get a more intense nicotine “hit” with a device that has stronger, longer-lasting battery. HEALTH RISK: E-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is addictive and harmful.