There is no denying that teens can take up the smoking habit. According to the Eurovap and American Lung Association, 95 percent of smokers have tried their first smoke before reaching the age of 21. This concern doesn’t only focus on the quality of life but also the future of the economy.
Role of Parents
As teens, most emulate the action of their peers. A simple imitation becomes a social habit fueled by the desire to be accepted by the group. It becomes a symbol of false confidence.
Parents may not notice their kids doing the habit. But with enough experience, they must be the first guidance counselors. Discipline may keep it frowned upon for now but once the kids grow up and enter early adulthood, chances of picking the habit again are very likely.
Nothing is better than to lead by example. If parents who smoke can show their kids they can stop and let them understand the effects, there is a high possibility that they will follow and even willfully avoid the habit.
Role of Schools
It is given that schools impose regulations against smoking. But beyond the class hours and the school premises, the academic institutions have no control. They can’t even be liable to suspend teen smoking during parties since it is not part of school jurisdiction.
Nevertheless, the school still has a great impact in terms of information. With the encouraging use of educational materials, school personal can enlighten the students with accurate statistics and graphic evidence regarding the effects of smoking and vaping.
It may be borderline brainwashing, but the important thing is how the truth is delivered. Teens can enter the rebellious stage without any regard for the consequences but if helpful projects and activities will be given to observe the effects of smoking and vaping in outside situations, there may be a great chance that they will get discouraged in picking the habit. They might even stimulate other teen smokers and adults to do so.
Help Institutions
If a home and the school seemed unsafe, there are institutions, either government or non-government, that are ready to help those who seek it. There are counseling sessions, materials, alternatives, and even medical check-ups, either free or paid, which can help a teen quit smoking for good. It takes time but the professional help and the pacing put a good amount of pressure for the teen to achieve realizations faster.
National Regulations
If a generous, patient approach seems ineffective, then the rules and regulations can be the only solution. Coercive it may be, but it is important to force teens as early as possible, to understand that smoking and vaping is harmful to the body, as either a user or a fellow who is able to receive the smoke.
Conclusion
Although each of us has a right to do what we want as long as it is legal, the sense of freedom can be abused. Smoking is not a crime and even not against any major religions’ laws. However, the effects on one’s health are enough to realize that this can destroy the quality of living and affects productivity in the economy.
