Why Kids Smoke and What Parents Can Do

As younger adolescents fall into the habit, early prevention is key

Adolescents are striking out from their parents, trying new identities—and yes, experimenting with risky behaviors. One of the most damaging is tobacco use.

About one-quarter of Lehigh Valley teens smoke, says Alice DallaPalu, director of the Coalition for a Smoke-Free Valley*, and the average starting age is now 11. Though tobacco experimentation seems to be waning in high school, it’s increasing among middle schoolers.

Clearly, prevention strategies need to start early and continue in every grade. Once youngsters learn how to smoke, DallaPalu says, it only takes about 20 cigarettes to get addicted.

What can parents do? “Stay in communication with your children,” says adolescent medicine specialist Sarah Stevens, M.D., of Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. “Promote positive behavior by encouraging them to develop their interests and skills. Young people with a sense of self-worth can better resist temptation.”

It’s also helpful to look at the messages children get from the media, DallaPalu says. “Analyze tobacco ads with your children, and talk about how manipulative they are. Encourage anti-tobacco programs in your local schools.”

And if you suspect your child is trying cigarettes? “Don’t go ballistic!” Stevens says. “Ask her what she thought of it. Most kids will honestly report the cigarette tasted disgusting. If she says it was kind of relaxing and made her feel better, it’s time to show your concern and see if you can’t get to the bottom of what’s really troubling her.”

If you yourself are a smoker, it’s harder to speak out convincingly against the habit. “You can tell your kids, ‘It’s a drug and I’m addicted. I hate it and wish I’d been smart enough not to start,’ ” DallaPalu says. Tell them how much it costs and how it’s affected your health and social life. Better yet, sign up for a quit-smoking program.

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