Prevention of Tobacco Use

Parents & Children

 

Children who have parents that smoke are more likely to smoke themselves and at an earlier age than children who grow up in smoke-free homes. They see smoking as something that is normal.

 

Parents who smoke sometimes feel uneasy talking to their children about smoking.  Remember even if you smoke, you can still help to shape your child's behaviour by talking to them openly about your smoking.

 

You can influence and guide your children into living smoke-free lives:

 

• Connect with your children and be involved in their lives
• Talk about smoking and ask questions
• Listen to what your children say
• Help your children find reasons to not smoke
• Influence your children through positive role-modeling

The Ontario Medical Association estimates that 12,000 to 15,000 children each year suffer from asthma because of second-hand smoke while 52,000 to 80,000 children in Ontario have second-hand smoke related coughs each year.

Children and youth can also be influenced while at play; at the park or in an organized sport. The Play, Live, Be…Tobacco-Free initiative works with local community members to raise awareness about tobacco-free sports and recreation and provide information, resources as well as assist with policy development and review.