Health Effects Of Teen Smoking And Tips To Help Your child Quit The Habit

Teenagers of parents who smoke are most likely to take up the habit. So, why does a teenager smoke? It could be to show that they are a step above their peers, to show that they are independent, or to get the attention of the opposite sex. At times, teenagers are also influenced by idols from Tinsel Town.

20-30 percent of teenagers take to smoking soon after they enter college. Nowadays, teenagers resort to different forms of smoking like the hookah and e-cigarettes as well. Let's look at how these forms of smoking affect teenagers.

Also read: 5 common behavioural problems in children

1. Hookah smoking

Hookah smoking is considered fashionable by teens. It is a misconception that hookah smoking is less harmful than cigarette smoking. Hookah contains tobacco and high concentrations of nicotine, carbon monoxide (CO), tar, and heavy metals.

Water-pipe smoking has been linked to malignancy, cardiovascular disease, pulmonary dysfunction, and nicotine dependence.

It has the potential to transmit infectious diseases since the same mouthpiece is passed from person to person during a session.

Also read: How does passive smoking harm your child?

2. E-cigarettes

E-cigarettes are 'low nicotine content' (LNC) cigarettes that are as addictive as typical cigarettes. Smoking e-cigarettes results in the same exposure to harmful chemicals as other nicotine products.

Consequences of teen smoking

Physical

• Smoking from an early age increases exposure to carcinogens.
• It increases the risk of lung disease, early heart attack, abnormal fat levels leading to metabolic syndrome and oral/lung cancer.
• Passive smoking also impairs brain development.

Emotional

• A teenager who smokes relies more and more on cigarettes to 'de-stress' without realising that smoking only makes them incapable of handling stress.
• Smoking is said to be a leading cause of depression in teens.
• Smoking makes teenagers irritable and they tend to isolate themselves.
• Teenagers who smoke are caught between feelings of guilt and defiance and this affects their relationship with their parents.

Tips to help your child quit smoking

As the parent of a teenager who smokes, you can play a crucial role in helping them quit smoking. Here's what you can do:

• Be a role model for your child to help them develop good habits. If you do not smoke, your child will most likely refrain from smoking.
• Be supportive. Listen to your child and show that you care.
• Monitor the pocket money given to them and make a note of how it is spent.
• If you discover your child has started smoking, talk to them in person. Never discuss this in front of others.

Raise a mentally tough child who does not succumb to peer pressure. Watch video.

• Discuss the physical and economic drawbacks of smoking gently.
• Monitor your child's activities continuously, but avoid being very strict.
• Understand that your teen may have taken to smoking to overcome negative feelings or depression. Seek the help of a counsellor, if required.

If your child starts smoking as a teen, they will find it harder to give it up as an adult. The habit is hard to kick if it is not detected early and they have not received your support. Factors like abusive parents, broken homes, poor scholastic performance, and parents' habits also contribute to teen smoking behaviour.