Report: How To Prevent Teens From Smoking

More than three million high school students smoke, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The report finds that while teen smoking isn’t increasing, it isn’t decreasing, either. Each day, some 1,000 youth under age 18 become daily smokers. To prevent more kids from becoming smokers, the report offers five recommendations:

Emphasize the immediate health consequences, including addiction and the acceleration of chronic diseases;

Prevention outreach must concentrate on teens and young adults because 99% of smokers smoked their first cigarette by age 26;

Advertising and promotional activities by tobacco companies remain prevalent and effective in getting kids to start smoking. Methods for shielding children from these images should be explored;

Young smokers are especially receptive to smokeless tobacco, mistakenly thinking it’s a less dangerous alternative to cigarettes;

The most effective anti-smoking campaigns combine multifaceted outreach, including mass media, government policies, and school-based programs. Economic pressures are also effective: A 10% rise in cigarette prices increases successful cessation by teens and young adults by 3.5%.

Source: “Preventing Tobacco Use Among Youth And Young Adults,” U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Howard Koh, Assistant Secretary for Health, Tower Building, Plz. Level 1, #100, 1101 Wooton Pkwy., Rockville, MD 20852; 770-488-5493; media@hhs.gov; www.hhs.gov.

© Copyright 2012, EPM Communications, Inc. May not be reproduced without written consent of publisher.

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