He suggests that parents emphasize that smoking is not normal behavior and the best way to do that is to not smoke, themselves. Exposing the tobacco industry gives young people the chance to redirect their rebellion, Mr. Connolly says. In focus groups, when teen smokers find out some of the ingredients in cigarettes, including chemicals found in nail-polish remover and batteries, they feel betrayed and angry, Forster says. When they think about their smoke harming children and pregnant women, they also get upset. Researchers disagree on how effective harping on health consequences is with teens.
Young smokers can often list the health consequences but few see themselves at risk.
Researchers say probably the worst thing parents can do is remain silent, but plenty do, especially if they smoke. But some parents fear the response, the back talk, and want to avoid conflict. Nonsmoking teens will explain why they don't smoke in hyperbole. My parents are totally against it. Dr. Forster, at the University of Minnesota, has had similar findings.