Teaching Kids About the Effects of Secondhand Smoke

Protection

• Although it is impossible to prevent passive smoking completely, teaching your kids to protect themselves can enhance their safety in public places or social facilities. School-aged kids should be alert and ready to keep their distance when they come across a person who is smoking. Although the American Lung Association estimates that only about 10 percent of students in the Unites States are active smokers, you have to warn your kids about keeping friends who smoke. Encourage them to report students who smoke or ask school administrators to strengthen and enforce their no-smoking policy.

Health Consequences

• Some kids might find it hard to believe that passive smoking is as dangerous as active smoking. In fact, secondhand smoke has higher concentrations of cancer-causing agents than the firsthand smoke because the chemicals are burning at a lower temperature, according to the American Lung Association. Inform your kids that even sitting close to a smoker for five minutes or less increases their risk for infections like pneumonia, asthma and chronic coughing. Let them now that tobacco smoke is the leading cause of cancers of the lungs, mouth, throat and kidneys. Out of fear of contracting such infections, they should stay away from smokers.

Be the Example

• What you communicate to your children through word of mouth and deeds has a huge influence on their decision-making process. For instance, if you don't smoke at home, office or in the car, it is easier to teach them about the dangers of tobacco smoke. Say to them, "See, daddy doesn't smoke or associate with smokers, so you shouldn̵7;t do that." If you smoke, quit; otherwise kids might not find your advice sensible. The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids advises you to share your smoking struggles with your children, telling them how difficult it is to quit.

Teenagers and smoking

• Raising teenagers can be the most challenging part in parenting. You might be teaching them about the dangers of secondhand smoke while they are actually active smokers. Teens who smoke can influence younger siblings into smoking, putting their health at risk of deadly infections. A 2013 report published by the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control notes that 88 percent of adult smokers started smoking during their teenage years, but also suggests youth smoking is on a gradual decline. Although the latter statistic seems promising, your teens are still very vulnerable to smoking. Be strict on them and go beyond just educating them about effects of passive smoking; monitor their actions and maintain a close relationship with them. Responsible teens are role models to younger siblings.