There is good news regarding tobacco use among teens; the use of cigarettes among youth has declined for a number of years, and although that is good news, we have to do better. The tobacco companies know that if people start smoking while in their teens, they will probably continue indefinitely. Conversely, if people do not start smoking in their teens, they probably never will. This is why it is so important for us to teach our children to never start. The tobacco companies spend billions of dollars every year to attract new smokers and their advertising focus is aimed at youth aged 11-14.

     Parents are more important to children then we give credit. Talk to your children about the hazards of smoking and why you don’t want them to smoke. Continue this discussion throughout their school years. You may not realize it, but your middle school child does listen to you. The Center for Disease Control offers these ideas to parents: know if your child’s friends smoke; talk about ways to say “no” to smoking; and if you use tobacco, don’t smoke around your children, don’t leave tobacco products where they can easily get to them, and if you smoke, please quit. You may have to quit more than once, but that is alright, your children will see that you are trying.

     This article was compiled by St. Mary's County Health Department registered nurse, Jane E. Dodds.