Smoke Free Birmingham

Some schools are handing out nicotine patches for kids as part of a new scheme.

New government figures show that some secondary school pupils smoke up to 45 cigarettes a week.

Until now children haven’t been able to use nicotine patches to help them quit. But a new scheme hands out the patches in the hope of preventing teens becoming life-long smokers.

Some parents have reacted angrily to the initiative – recommended by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) – saying it’s up to parents to intervene if their child is smoking.

Amanda Sandford, Research Manager of ASH says: “Previously many young people who were able to buy cigarettes were prevented from using nicotine replacement therapy to help them quit. It just didn’t make sense.”

Now anti-smoking groups are aiming their campaigns at younger audiences.

Jean King, from Cancer Research UK, says: “It is vital we work to reduce this figure. The earlier someone starts to smoke, the more difficult it is for them to quit.”

So, how can you help your child quit smoking? The first thing you need to do is look at why they’re smoking. Here are the main reasons, and what you can do about them.

It’s what everyone does

If all the people around your child smoke, there’s no reason for them to think there’s anything wrong with it. They might have started the habit without even thinking about it because it’s just seen as the norm. But if you share a few harsh facts with them it might just make them change their minds.

Copying parents

You can tell your kids not to smoke till you are blue in the face but if you light up five minutes later they’re not going to take any notice. So, the best way to help them quit is to show them a good example and do it yourself. Amanda Sandford of ASH says: “Children are three times more likely to become smokers if their parents smoke.

Don’t leave your cigarettes lying around – you won’t notice the odd one missing – and don’t let them see you smoking as a form of stress relief.
If you can’t give up, try using nicotine products like gum, just to give you your fix while your child is around.

Put restrictions in your home on where and when you can smoke. This will have a better influence on their view of smoking – if it’s out of sight it’s out of mind".

Weight control

Teenage girls in particular are so body conscious that many take up smoking in the hope it will suppress their appetites and help them lose weight. This is a dangerous road for children to start down so you should talk to them about why they want to lose weight and ways they can do it without taking up the cigs.

Try taking up swimming or dancing to keep you and your teen fit and healthy. And a trip to the GP can show them the ageing effects won’t give them a beach bod.

Vending machines

Baby-faced teens can easily get their hands on a packet of cigarettes by simply popping money into a slot, and 17 per cent of underage purchases are from machines.

The Government is hoping to bring in stricter rules about machines or a total ban. If you do find cigarettes on your child ASH say the first thing you should do is find out where they got them from and report the retailer.

Get them to speak to a school nurse, local GP or pharmacist. They will be able to give real health advice and support, without them feeling like they’re being lectured.