JAMA Patient Information: Preventing Tobacco Use in Children and Adolescents

Preventing young people from starting to smoke is easier than getting them to stop once they have become addicted to nicotine.

Even though children and adolescents are exposed to many powerful media messages (TV, movies, and music, for example), parents, caregivers, coaches and other adults can still have great influence.

An article in the August 9, 2000, issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association (Farkas et al) reports that adolescents who lived in smoke-free homes and worked in smoke-free environments were less likely to smoke. Adolescents who had smoked but who lived in smoke-free homes were more likely to report having quit.

Another article in this issue (Bauer et al) reports on the changes in cigarette use and intentions to use cigarettes among adolescents following the implementation of a tobacco-control program. Cigarette use declined and the number of adolescents who reported they would never use cigarettes increased.

Tell the Truth About Tobacco Use:

• Tobacco is bad for your body.
• Tobacco is a drug and is addictive in all forms; chewing tobacco and snuff are just as addictive and harmful as tobacco that is smoked.
• Smoking reduces the rate of lung growth.
• Smoking increases the risk of lung cancer.
• Smoking is a cause of premature death. Each day smoking means less days of life.
• Smoking limits physical fitness and lowers endurance.
• Tobacco smoking and chewing are ugly.
• Smoking stains your teeth and causes bad breath.
• Smoking makes your hair and clothes smell bad.
• Chewing tobacco can cause cracked lips, white spots, sores and bleeding in the mouth.
• Tobacco is expensive; a $2.50 pack-per-day habit adds up to more than $900 every year. (Money spent on tobacco could be used for clothes, computer games, movies, music, etc.).

Set a Good Example:

• If you smoke cigarettes or use other tobacco products, QUIT.
• Do not use tobacco products in the presence of young people.
• Encourage other tobacco users who live with a young person to quit.
• Talk about the difficulties of quitting.
• Share the stories of family members or friends who have died from tobacco use.

Lay Down the Law:

• Set family rules about the use of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs.
• Define clear consequences for breaking the rules.
• Enforce the rules you make.

Make Yourself Available:

• Let your child know that any problems or concerns can be discussed, including issues about tobacco and drug use.
• Listen and remain calm without judgment or anger.
• Avoid accusations.
• Know the friends of the young persons in your life and know if they use tobacco or other drugs.
• Support young people in activities that keep them from tobacco and drug use.

For More Information:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Tobacco Information and Prevention Source (TIPS)
(800) CDC-1311

Additional Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Academy of Pediatrics, the AMA's Complete Guide to Your Children's Health

Brian Pace, M.A., Writer
Richard M. Glass, M.D., Editor

(JAMA. 2000; 284:794)

Published in JAMA: August 9, 2000

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Source: American Medical Association