Tobacco Free QC - Talking Tobacco with Kids

Talking with young people about the dangers of tobacco can be tough. What should you say? How should you say it? These tips will help you get started.

Talk About the Facts

Just saying, “Smoking is bad for you,” isn’t enough.
Young people are more likely to listen if you give them specific facts. For example, tell them:
Tobacco contains 43 know cancer-causing chemicals.
Cigarettes contain arsenic (which is also found in rat poison).
Smoking kills more Americans every year than murders, fires, alcohol, HIV, and car accidents combined.
Get the facts about chewing tobacco too. More and more young people mistakenly believe that it is safer than smoking.

It’s in the News, It’s Everywhere

Bring up the subject when you see things about smoking on TV, in the newspapers or in magazines.
Talking can happen naturally when you spend time hanging out with kids. Take a walk, play a game of basketball or go out for ice cream.
The sooner you start talking, the better.

Focus on the Social Issues

Young people are often more concerned about the smell in their hair, clothes and breath than about health risks.
Help them understand the social and financial costs as well as the health risks.
Remind them that most young people don’t smoke or chew.

Look at Advertising

When you see ads, talk about how tobacco companies need to attract new smokers (because thousands of smokers quit or die each day).
Ask kids to think about the things ads use to sell tobacco (status, sex, looking cool, being thin, etc.) Tell them not to be fooled by clever ads.

Say: I Don’t Want You to Smoke

Be direct. They’ll appreciate your honesty and guidance.
Are you worried about their health? The money they’ll waste? Let them know your reasons.

“You Used to Smoke and Nothing Bad Happened to You”

Kids may say things like, “If it’s so bad, then how come Grandma smokes?” Or, “You used to smoke and nothing bad happened to you.”
Answer their questions honestly. Let them know that many adults became addicted before they knew the dangers.

Teach Them to Say NO

Say, “Let’s practice saying no to tobacco. Pretend that I’m a classmate who is asking you to try smoking."
Have them try saying "no" in different ways. For example, they can use a direct, “No Way!" give a reason, make a joke, or walk away.
Praise their efforts.

Trust Them to Make Good Decisions!

Acknowledge the pressure they may feel to try tobacco.
Say, “I trust you to make good choices around tobacco.”
Encourage their interests in sports, art, music and other activities. They are less likely to try tobacco if they are busy with other things.

If They Have Already Tried Tobacco

Talk about addictions and how hard it can be to stop. Let them know that it’s easier if they quit before they get hooked.
If they are regular smokers, encourage them to quit. Then support their efforts.

Be a Good Role Model

Role model good habits by not using tobacco yourself. Remember, kids learn from adults.
If you smoke or chew tobacco and have tried to quit, try again. It often takes several tries to quit for good.
Do not smoke around young people. Let them know you value their well-being too much to risk the dangers of secondhand smoke.
Ask others who smoke to do it outside or away from your kids.

(Journeyworks, 1996)