Teen Tobacco Use Valarie Starbuck

Nature of the Problem- Key Facts 90% of adults who smoke started by the age of 21, ½ of them became regular smokers by the age of 18 90% of adults who smoke started by the age of 21, ½ of them became regular smokers by the age of 18 The average age of smoking initiation is 18.9 years of age The average age of smoking initiation is 18.9 years of age Every day approximately 4,000 children between the ages of 12 and 17 smoke their first cigarette, 1,300 of them will become regular smokers, ½ of the will die from their habit Every day approximately 4,000 children between the ages of 12 and 17 smoke their first cigarette, 1,300 of them will become regular smokers, ½ of the will die from their habit From 1997 to 2003 smoking among high school students declined significantly, recently it has been held steady From 1997 to 2003 smoking among high school students declined significantly, recently it has been held steady In 2005 the most prevalent forms of tobacco used were cigarettes (23%), cigars (14%), and smokeless tobacco (8%) In 2005 the most prevalent forms of tobacco used were cigarettes (23%), cigars (14%), and smokeless tobacco (8%)

Nature of the Problem – Key Facts Cont. In 2005 white teen girls had the highest prevalence of smoking at 27% In 2005 white teen girls had the highest prevalence of smoking at 27% In % of middle school and 62.1% of high school students who were current smokers reported wanting to completely stop In % of middle school and 62.1% of high school students who were current smokers reported wanting to completely stop In % of current high school smokers reported having tried to quit in the last 12 months In % of current high school smokers reported having tried to quit in the last 12 months Only 3 in 100 high school smokers believe they will still be smoking in 5 years Only 3 in 100 high school smokers believe they will still be smoking in 5 years

Signs and Symptoms Bad Breath Bad Breath Clothes that smell or are stained Clothes that smell or are stained Coughing and hoarseness Coughing and hoarseness Decreased performance when exercising or performing athletics Decreased performance when exercising or performing athletics Increased production of phlegm Increased production of phlegm Increased susceptibility to colds and flu Increased susceptibility to colds and flu Shortness of breath or wheezing Shortness of breath or wheezing Stained teeth Stained teeth Throat irritation Throat irritation

Treatment and Prevention Treatment Programs – American Cancer Society, American Lung Association Treatment Programs – American Cancer Society, American Lung Association Over the counter and prescription products such as gum and patches Over the counter and prescription products such as gum and patches Parents are urged to quit smoking to provide positive influence and avoid child’s exposure to second hand smoke Parents are urged to quit smoking to provide positive influence and avoid child’s exposure to second hand smoke Parents are urged to not smoke in the car themselves, as well as let other smoke In the car, and make sure daycare facilities and schools are smoke-free Parents are urged to not smoke in the car themselves, as well as let other smoke In the car, and make sure daycare facilities and schools are smoke-free Have open communication with children about tobacco use Have open communication with children about tobacco use Parents can also assist with boosting a child’s self confidence which proves to be the best weapon against conforming to peer pressures Parents can also assist with boosting a child’s self confidence which proves to be the best weapon against conforming to peer pressures

Treatment/Prevention/Programs Nicotine Replacement Therapy Nicotine Replacement Therapy Tobacco Hotlines Tobacco Hotlines Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids Smoke Free Illinois Smoke Free Illinois

Teacher Recognition May be difficult for teachers to notice signs of kids smoking May be difficult for teachers to notice signs of kids smoking Surveys/Questionnaires Surveys/Questionnaires