Keeping Kentucky’s Youth Tobacco-Free
Nationwide about 4,000 kids try their first cigarette every day – almost 3,000 become regular smokers. Nearly 90 percent of all smokers began smoking before they turned 18. In Kentucky, 15 percent of all high school students smoked their first cigarette before age 11. Males are more likely to have smoked before age 11 than females; frequently, cigarette smoking is well established by the ninth grade
Seventy-five percent of current smokers believe that they could quit smoking if they wanted to, 49 percent of high school smokers and 53 percent of middle school smokers were unsuccessful in their attempts to quit smoking.
These statistics highlight the need to educate Kentucky’s youth about the health risks associated with tobacco use. Research reveals that 61 percent of high school smokers and 76 percent of middle school smokers live with a person who smokes.
It is important that parents or guardians address the issue of tobacco use at a very early age. Begin taking with your child about tobacco at age 5 or 6 and continue through high school. Review these documents for more information about talking to your children about tobacco.
Schools also play an important role in children’s and teens lives. Learn what your school can do to create a tobacco free environment and educate youth about the dangers of tobacco use.
School tobacco-free activities
Do you know your school’s policy about tobacco products on campus? It’s necessary that children and teens receive a consistent message against tobacco use. If teachers and school staff, visitors and other adults can use tobacco products on campus – the message not to use tobacco products becomes diluted.
Find out the school’s policy. You may want to join with other parents to advocate for a 100 percent tobacco-free policy. Link to school resource guide.
How schools can help students stay tobacco free
Tobacco use prevention education is considered an essential element of comprehensive school health programs. Resistance skills are often taught to help children learn to resist offers of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs
Research-Based Tobacco Education Programs
LifeSkills®
Science, Tobacco and You
Project Towards No Tobacco Use - keyword TNT
Research-Based Alternative to Suspension Programs and Tobacco Cessation Programs
TEG (Intervening with Teen Tobacco Users)
TAP (Helping Teens Stop Using Tobacco)
NOT (Not On Tobacco)
Specific Information About Tobacco Smoke in Schools
How schools can help students stay tobacco free
Smoke free policies reduce smoking
Tobacco Harms to Kids
The health effects of secondhand smoke on children