Teen Smoking, Tobacco Advertising gearedtowardsteenagers
Teen Smoking, Tobacco Advertising
Despite the Master Settlement Agreement and the ensuing ban on advertising tobacco products to youths, many nonsmoking groups today maintain that Big Tobacco is still continuing to promote smoking to teens and children through the sponsorship of sporting events and concerts; advertisements in magazines that are geared toward eighteen to twentyfour years old but are often read by younger readers; and product placements in films rated as low as “G” for young viewers. Other antismoking advocates, however, contend that the role of cigarette advertising in influencing teen smokers has been overestimated and that antismoking campaigns should instead focus on other factors that encourage teen smoking, such as peer or parental influences.
Teen Smoking, Tobacco Advertising There are different reasons why teenagers start smoking. Very few of them start with the idea that they will keep smoking. Indeed, the CDC reports that only three out of 100 high school students that smoke think that they will still be smoking in five years. Many of them feel that it is a temporary thing that they are doing. Unfortunately, the truth is that 60 out of 100 high school students are still smoking seven to nine years later.
Teen Smoking, Tobacco Advertising
Peer pressure: This is one of the biggest reasons that teens start smoking. They do it because their friends do. As many as 4,000 teenagers try tobacco every day. For the most part, adults who smoke now started as teenagers. It is important to realize that most teens get their first cigarette from friends.
Media: Portrayals of smoking in the media are nearly all glamorous. Heroes smoke almost as much as villains. And many of villains that smoke in movies and on TV have a certain coolness to them. Not only that, but smoking appears in music videos as well. Cigars are especially seen as a status symbol that goes with living the high life.
Help losing weight: For some, teen smoking can help them lose a few pounds. Instead of eating, many teens - especially girls - will smoke a cigarette. This satisfies a craving, and keeps their minds off food. In a culture obsessed with image, teen smoking can help some teenagers achieve the look they want
Health consequences seem far off: For many young people, teen smoking doesn’t seem like an immediate danger. Teenagers sometimes feel invincible, and the health problems associated with teen smoking don’t show up for years. It may seem harmless to some teenagers to smoke while they are young - they tell themselves that after a few years they will quit and live healthier.
Teen Smoking, Tobacco Advertising, ways to prevent teen smoking:
Lead by Example
According to the Mayo Clinic, your teenager is more likely to smoke if you as a parent smoke. To help your teen resist cigarettes, lead by example and don't smoke. If you are not a smoker, talk to your child about how good it feels not to be addicted to nicotine. If you currently smoke, strive to break the habit. As the Mayo Clinic suggests, contact your doctor and seek advice about how to stop smoking. Then openly discuss the hardships of quitting cigarettes with your teen and make sure she understands that smoking is an addiction.
..... 2. Calculate the Cost
Many teenagers enjoy having money and spending it on fun items such as clothes, music CD's, shoes or social entertainment. According to the Mayo Clinic, it's important to educate your teen on the cost of cigarettes. Sit down with your teen and determine the price of a pack of cigarettes. Then calculate the weekly, monthly and yearly cost of maintaining a tobacco habit. Ask your teen if he would rather spend his money on an expensive, potentially harmful habit or other items such as electronics, gadgets, or entertainment.
Teen Smoking, Tobacco Advertising
.......3. Try Role Playing
Many teens start smoking because of peer pressure from friends and acquaintances. Help your teenager resist this pressure by discussing potential situations and role- playing. For example, ask your teen what she would say if someone offered her a cigarette in the car on the way home from school. Help her with her answer if she struggles to find the right response. Mayo Clinic recommends a simple response such as, "No thanks, I don't smoke." According to Mayo Clinic staff, "The more your teen practices this basic refusal, the more likely he or she will say no at the moment of truth."
......4. Discuss Harmful Effects
To help your teen understand the harmful effects of smoking cigarettes, show him online photos of a nonsmoker's healthy lung as well as a smoker's unhealthy lung. Compare the two organs and research statistics about cancer and other diseases caused by smoking cigarettes. Teaching your teenager about the harmful physical aspects of smoking and addiction may help your teen stay away from cigarettes.
Teen Smoking, Tobacco Advertising
How to build a teen's self-esteem to prevent smoking:
Many teens are pressured into smoking because they think it will help them fit in and make more friends. If you take steps to build a teen's self-esteem, you can help prevent him from starting smoking.
........Instructions:
Help your teen work on her image so she doesn't fall into smoking to be cool. Things like new clothes and accessories can help your teen feel like she fits in with her peers. Talk to your teen about ways for her to portray her confidence to those around her.
Encourage your teen to play a sport at school. Regular exercise and athletic accomplishments will often help build self-esteem to prevent smoking. Many student athletes shy away from cigarettes because they understand the health problems that come from smoking.
Talk to your teen about different ways to cope with stress, worries and social pressure. Look for an outlet to release these feelings, like music or the visual arts, to help prevent smoking. Persuade your teen to exhibit these skills for friends to build confidence and social skills.
Respect and accept your teen for the choices she makes to help boost her self-esteem. Lay down clear rules for school work and leisure time, but allow your teen some breathing space and independence.
Remind your teen that the social pressures of high school will be behind him before he realizes it. Teach him how to make friends with classmates and peers, but to avoid the teens who are disruptive and unfocused.
Urge your teen to solve social problems on her own, instead of relying on a teacher or parent. Discuss the kinds of decisions your teen will be making so that she knows how to handle situations the right way. As you build the teen's self-esteem by preparing her to be independent, remind her that there are some situations, like violence and drug use, that should be handled by an adult.
Teen Smoking, Tobacco Advertising, Causes:
Teen drug abuse: Help your teen avoid drugs Teen drug abuse can have a major impact on your teen's life. Find out how to help your teen make healthy choices and avoid drug abuse. By Mayo Clinic staff
Why teen abuse drugs: Various factors may contribute to teen drug abuse, from insecurity and self-doubt to a desire for social acceptance. Teens often feel indestructible and may not consider the consequences of their actions, leading them to take potentially dangerous risks such as abusing legal or illegal drugs.
Common risk factors for teen drug abuse include:
A family history of substance abuse
Depression
Low self-esteem
Early aggressive behavior
Feelings of social rejection
Lack of parental supervision
Poverty
Drug availability...
Teen Smoking, Tobacco Advertising Recognizing the warning signs of teens drug abuse
Be aware of possible red flags, such as:
A sudden or extreme change in friends, eating habits, sleeping patterns, physical appearance or school performance
Lost interest in favorite activities
A hostile or uncooperative attitude
Visits to pro-drug Web sites
Secrecy about actions or possessions
An unexplained disappearance of household money
Empty drug or medicine containers or drug paraphernalia in your teen's room
An unusual chemical or medicine smell on your teen or in your teen's room
