Know their friends. Try to determine whether their friends are smoking, so that you can talk about it with your child. Make your feelings clear. Children who understand the depth of their parents' opposition to it are less likely to smoke. Help them figure out ads.
Studies show that children become susceptible to cigarette ad images in the fourth or fifth grade.
Give them a reality check. Point out that most adults do not smoke. It is hard to get kids to worry about long-term risks like cancer, but don't fail to discuss it. Nicotine is so addictive that some experts compare it to heroin or cocaine. And, kids find it just as hard to kick the habit as adults do.