How to Quit Smoking? Help Teen Quit Smoking

In the United States alone every month 18100 people search “How to quit smoking.” Interestingly a large percentage of people who look in Google for how to quit smoking are under the age of 20 years.

If you are an adult, this article might not help you much to quit smoking as this article does not contain anything that you don’t know already. However, if you are a teen or if you are a parent of a teen, the article provides some tips to help quit smoking in teens.

Why do Teens Smoke?

If you ask teen smokers why they smoke, they will give five types of answers.

• My friends smoke.

• My parents smoke.

• I think it is cool.

• I just want to try it.

• There is no harm in smoking occasionally.

How to Quit Smoking – A Seven Point Guide For Teens

Overcome the temptation

Don’t believe the smoking endorsements from your favorite actors. Don’t fall into the trap of tobacco companies. If your friends smoke, don’t feel pressured. Help them to overcome the temptation of smoking. Think about all those celebrities who died early because of excessive smoking, alcohol consumption, and drugs.

Smoking damages your system

Smoking does not do any good to your body or mind, it damages your creativity. Smoking has adverse effects on your respiratory, circulatory, and nervous systems.

Smoking is a wastage of money

Consider this, if you quit smoking you can save a lot of money which can be used later to buy cool gadgets, clothes, even gifts for your boyfriend/girlfriend.

Best Ways to Help Your Teens Quit Smoking

Parents, teachers, and other elders can help teens quit smoking or stop them from getting into smoking. Here is a 3 point guide to help teens quit smoking.

Learn why the teen is smoking

Mass media influence, smoking friends or parents, and the tendency to become cool are some of the reasons that lure teens into smoking. You cannot help your teen quit smoking until you know the real cause. Once you get into the root of the problem, you’ll be better equipped to help teens quit smoking.

Become an example

Parents and teachers have a tremendous influence on teens. If parents and teachers smoke, it is more likely that teens will smoke. If you want to discourage teens from smoking, either don’t smoke or never smoke in front of them. Don’t set rules such as smoking is not allowed in my house. Teens are rebellious by nature, and your strictness will have a negative impact.

Don’t be didactic

Simply talking about the health risks of smoking may not help your teen. Tell the real-life stories of people who died young because of tobacco-related diseases. “Don’t smoke” is an important message but it will work only when you illustrate with proper examples, for instance: Smoking causes bad breath, cough, and wrinkles. It will also make you smell.

Participate in your teens' daily activities

Some of the teens pick up smoking because of stress. Smoking does not relieve stress, but pushes them into complications. Show your appreciation on good choices your teen makes, and talk about the consequences of bad choices.

There is no second chance in life

Help your teen realize there is no retake in life. When a mistake is committed, it will affect your entire life. If your teen succeeds in quitting, congratulate and reward them with something they want.

Conclusion

The opinion expressed in the article is based on my own experience. When I was in my teens I thought smoking made me cool and one- two puffs were not harmful. Strict rules and scolding did not work, however, when my dad told me that I will look like 40 even when I am just 18, I was really scared.

Consult a doctor and help your teen choose stop-smoking products. Chewing gums, candy, cloves, and cinnamon can also help quit smoking.

Do you have smoking teens in your family?

First published on Forum coin in author's name