It is best to provide an anti-tobacco education in a variety of ways and places. It should begin early in children's lives because on average youth smoke their first cigarette at age 13. It should continue all through school, because some youth, especially African Americans, do not begin smoking until they graduate. Debunk the myth that tobacco is necessary for stress reduction, an attractive appearance, and a good social life. Speak directly to girls, possibly in separate programs, Give them information showing the falseness of their beliefs that smoking will help them lose weight, make friends, and look sophisticated.
Smoking takes away a smoker's free choice.
Adolescents want to be in control of all areas of their lives. So show them how tobacco addiction takes away free will, particularly the ability to stop smoking, despite a smoker's desire to quit. Smoking is not an adult habit or an effective act of rebellion. Tell teenagers who want to resist controls on their lives that their target shouldn't be non-smoking adults. Instead, they should rebel against anyone who wants to hook them on a habit that is very hard to break.