By James Simons-
Many parents are turning a blind eye to their underaged children smoking. This is a worrying trend that has come to our attention in the course of our research and interaction with a number of families.
Many parents, especially smoking parents are increasingly turning a blind eye to their teenage children smoking. In fact, some parents have regularly bought cigarettes for their children just to keep them sweet. None smoking parents in the Uk are also guilty of this in large numbers.
Many parents are resigned to the idea that they would rather their children smoke in front of them than behind their back. This reasoning is understandable, but no parent should be tolerating a 13 year old teenager or younger smoke.
The importance of discouraging children from smoking cannot be overstated. Any child under the age of 16 should not be allowed to smoke by any responsible parent, but this has to be instilled in the child at an earlier age. Many parents have adopted the view that their children should learn about life by making their own mistakes.
There is a poignant truism in that saying, but some mistakes should be prevented where possible. Very little education about the full harmful effects of smoking is giving to children at home or at school.
PSYCHOLOGICAL
The psychological reasons many people smoke cigarettes, along with the dangers should be taught to children from the age of seven years right through to their teens. These days,smoking starts from cigarettes to cannabis, then other hard drugs, depending on the moral and psychological resistance level of the child
Youngsters should be acquainted with statistics about the death rates arising from smoking related illnesses. Physical education in school should not just be about exercises, but should include wider and deeper knowledge about the dangers of getting caught up in bad habits.
Widespread smoking in most societies make this dirty habit appear cool and normal. The dangers are so often trivialized by adults that it is not surprising that children follow suit. I like most smokers was hooked on this bad habit for just over a decade before embarking on an abstinence program which has now lasted four months.
Even during my many years of inhaling smoke and being inebriated, I would not have tolerated a 12 or 13 year old smoking in my company. Single mothers in particular go through a tough time when it comes to getting their children to obey orders.
The real issue is not the rebellious nature of many recalcitrant children, which is clearly in abundance. It is more about addressing the void in their lives that make them vulnerable to cheap peer pressure.
Unless children are taught the values of individuality and strength of character, they miss out on the most vital discipline.
SPARK
A variety of circumstances can spark the tendency to identify with others and copy their bad habits, even when they should be pitied. The full horror of smoking is told to children, whilst simultaneously keeping them positively occupied during the summer and holiday breaks.
They must remember that there are many none smokers too who do get bored but occupy themselves with positive engagements.