Parents can strongly reinforce positive peer influence and discourage negative peer influence. Back to the top You should make it clear that studies show smoking increases smokers' risks for serious diseases. Adolescents will be most responsive to a reasoned, common-sense discussion focused on issues of interest to him or her. A number of different approaches discussed in the following pages can be very effective when used together and applied consistently. Those laws are on the books for a reason.
Smoking is intended to be an adult decision.
You can remind your child that buying tobacco can lead to trouble, for them as well as for the retailer. You should make it clear that studies show smoking increases smokers' risks for serious diseases such as lung cancer, heart disease, and emphysema. There is widespread awareness of the health risks connected with using tobacco products. But you should also be aware that this argument alone may not stop your child from smoking. The fact that smoking is associated with health risks probably won't be news to your child.