Research Summary
Teenagers expect and want adults to discourage them from using tobacco, according to new research from the
Researcher Maria Nilsson evaluated the impact of an anti-smoking program, Tobacco-Free Duo, which started in 1993. The program targets children between the ages of 13-15 and includes adults supporting the teenagers in staying tobacco-free.
Nilsson found that smoking rates declined among adolescents in the program over a seven-year period, while no corresponding change was observed at the national level. In addition, one in four tobacco-using adults participating in the program stopped smoking in order to take part.
“Children expect adults to work against tobacco. They say this is important and that grown-ups can make a difference by showing a clear and positive commitment,” said Nilsson.
Survey results on 15-year-old smokers showed that close relationships with caring adults played an important role in getting teenagers to smoke less or stop smoking all together.
Source: Promoting Health in Adolescents: Preventing the Use of Tobacco. Umea University in Sweden, Science Daily reported May 5.