How can one successfully discourage a teenager from starting to smoke or giving

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   CheapInMadridposted 13 years ago

   How can one successfully discourage a teenager from starting to smoke or giving up the habit if...
   
   they have just started?there are many bad role-models and external influences which a parent,or older sibling or guardian has to watch out against in order to discourage the habit or taking up of smoking in teenagers and young adults.Which methods work?

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2. 60

   Hridyapal Bhogalposted 13 years ago

   just tell him/her the bad effects of smoking...and tell them that they are the soul drivers of their lives...if they want to live and enjoy only for some 30-40 yrs then continue smoking...but if they want to enjoy for 70-80 yrs then drop smoking...!!!!

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3. 59

   MickSposted 13 years ago

   you can't.  Teenagers believe that they are immortal, that anyone over the age of the early 20s are wrinklies and say nothing worth listening to. If you are a teenager or can remember your teenage years, you will know this is true.  Nagging won't work, nor will sermonising, it is just a point of explaining, in general conversation, the negative effects of smoking and the positive effects of giving up, but don't hold your breath waiting for a result.

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4. 60

   sammanposted 13 years ago

   Successfully discourage! I think there is no proven method that can be applied to all teenagers. What we can and should do is to advice them on the damage they are doing to their as well as the others health.

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5. 73

   SteveoMcposted 13 years ago

   Most of the teens already know the warnings and pitfalls of smoking.  To help your teen, you need to study the function of their behavior.   What is the purpose of their smoking?   Is it to be cool?   Are they nervous or agitated?  Are they doing it to fit in, all their friends smoke?  Sit down with them and map out the purpose behind their smoking. 
   Once you have clearly defined the function of the smoking, then it will be much easier to define the circumstances needed to stop the smoking.  I doubt that information about smoking and its negative effects will be an effective plan.   
   The plan must reflect the need to smoke.   It may take a visit to a medical smoking cessation program, medication, nicotine alternatives, behavior modification, etc.   Sometimes the purpose is oral gratification, this could be countered with electronic cigarettes, gum, or a bag of lollipops.

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