In India, there is a significant prevalence of cigarette and tobacco use among adolescents. A 2021 study issued in the Indian Journal of Community Medicine states that in India, one in ten adolescents aged between 13 and 15 years smokes cigarettes.

The most common substances teens experiment with are alcohol and marijuana. While this conversation focuses on smoking , it’s important to recognise that substance use of any kind is concerning for young people.

If You’ve walked in on your teen sneaking a cigarette—or maybe you found a pack stashed away in their room. As a parent, you probably have many questions: How often is my teen using it? Could they be developing an addiction? What about driving under the influence? The worry extends even further—is there an emotional issue compelling them to Soothe like this ?

 

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Cannabis and marijuana are no longer limited to the rolled joints of past generations. These days, these are sold as gummies, cookies, and even products for dabbing or vaping.

 

Related  story: How to Quit Smoking?

 

Facts About Teen Smoking

A 2023 study issued in the CDC Smoking and Tobacco Use, use of any form of tobacco products is unsafe. Young people may be more sensitive to nicotine and may become dependent on it faster than adults. Here are some facts about teen smoking:

• Nearly 9 out of 10 adults who smoke cigarettes daily first try smoking by age 18.
• Flavorings in tobacco products make them more appealing to youth.
• E-cigarettes have been the most commonly used tobacco product among youth since 2014.
• About 1 out of every 22 US teens (4.6 per cent) reported using electronic cigarettes.
• Around 30 per cent of teen smokers will continue smoking and die prematurely from a smoking-related disease.
• Teen smokers are more likely to experience panic attacks, anxiety disorders, and depression.
• On average, smokers die 13 to 14 years earlier than nonsmokers.
• Teen smokers are 3 times more likely to use alcohol, 8 times more likely to smoke marijuana, and 22 times more likely to use cocaine.

 

Related story: How to Cut back And Quit Smoking

 

There is a strong relationship between youth smoking and depression, anxiety, and stress. As per a 2020 analysis report issued in the journal Tobacco Prevention & Cessation, teenagers often become familiar with tobacco use early in life, simply by observing the behaviors of adults around them. Smoking, however, isn’t a biological need; it’s a habit that forms due to various factors such as misinformation, inadequate upbringing, or environmental influences. 

Two major problems facing young people today are the mental health crisis and the rise of vaping, and they’re more connected than many might think. Both issues have worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even before the pandemic, 70 per cent of young people said anxiety and depression were big concerns among their friends, based on a 2019 Pew Research Center report. 

Also, a 2023 study by the American Heart Association, nicotine is harmful to developing brains and increases the risk of addiction in young people. Besides, it can make symptoms of depression and anxiety worse. 

 

Related story: What Make Smoking Hard to Quit?

5 Tips to Talk To Teens About Smoking

Teens tend to experiment, but how you respond makes all the difference. Before you jump into full parental lecture mode, it’s important to pause and approach this situation strategically. 

1. Talk about substance abuse before they hit puberty

Don't wait until your kids are teenagers to start the conversation about smoking. Look for teachable moments when you're watching a movie or out with your young kids. If you see someone smoking on TV or in public, use it as an opportunity to explain why smoking isn't a good idea. Discuss the risks in a way that makes sense to them, like how smoking can cause bad breath and lead to serious lung problems over time. Be open and honest with your answers, and let them know they can always come to you with questions. The sooner they understand the risks, the more prepared they'll be to make smart choices later on.

 

Related story: 6 Ways To Help Your Teen Regulate Your Anxiety

 

2. Be clear about your values and rules

No matter what your beliefs or values are, it’s crucial to address these topics with your teen. I encourage you to have open conversations about things like cigarette use, vaping, alcohol, and drugs. It’s not always easy—sometimes you’ll get blank stares or silence—but it’s important to share your expectations clearly.  

As a parent, you might say, "Be smart!" meaning "Don’t drink at all," but your child might interpret it as "Just don’t drink enough to black out."

To avoid confusion, be specific about your expectations. For example, if you want to say, “You can go out with your friends as long as you promise not to use marijuana or alcohol,” make sure you say it exactly that way. Clear communication helps your teen understand your values and the rules you expect them to follow.

 

3. Ask, Listen, and Avoid Lecturing

Saying things like, "Don’t you dare let me catch you smoking," or "You can’t smoke because I said so," can easily be seen as a challenge rather than a boundary. Remember, we were all teenagers once, and no one liked being talked down to. It’s fine to express that smoking is not allowed but think about how you would have wanted to be spoken to at that age.
Instead, keep your composure and start the conversation by showing that you care. Let your teen know you want them to live a healthy life. When they see that you’re coming from a place of love, rather than just trying to control them, they’ll be more open to listening. As a parent, your role is to guide them toward making good choices, not to lecture them into submission.

4. Talk about consequences of smoking 

Talking about the risks and consequences of smoking can help your child understand the potential dangers. Alongside health risks, it’s also valuable to discuss the financial impact of smoking.

Sit down with your teen and do the math together. Calculate how much money they would spend on a pack of cigarettes each week over a year, and do the same for vaping. Seeing the financial cost laid out might make them think twice about starting a habit they hadn’t fully considered. This approach not only highlights the health risks but also shows them the real-world implications of their choices.

 

Related story: 5 Strategies to Maintain A Healthy Bond With Your Teenager

 

5. Be a role model: Avoid smoking 

Set a strong example for your kids by not smoking or using tobacco in any form. Parents who smoke are more likely to have children who smoke as well. If you’re currently a smoker, quitting is the best step you can take. Share with your kids how challenging it is to quit and how much easier it would have been if you had never started. In the meantime, avoid smoking around your children and never let them have any of your cigarettes. By leading by example, you help them see the value of a smoke-free lifestyle.

Start early by addressing these issues in age-appropriate ways, and ensure that your guidance is clear and specific. Encourage discussions about the risks and consequences, both health-related and financial, without resorting to lectures. Your own behavior plays a crucial role; by avoiding tobacco and sharing your own struggles with quitting, you set a powerful example.

If you suspect that your child's behavior is self-destructive or indicative of a deeper issue. A good first step is to approach a mental health professional and book a consultation with a UR.Life psychologist. 

 

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