Youth Smoking

Subject: Health Education
Level: Secondary
Age Group: 11 - 14
Order Number: 3044

Youth Smoking is an increasing problem in the UK with the rapidly growing numbers of girls taking up smoking causing particular concern. Smoking has been confirmed as one of the most preventable causes of premature death and ill-health, and nicotine is accepted as the most addictive of any legal substances. It is feared by scientists that four cigarettes a day are enough to trigger prolonged and regular nicotine demand. It is therefore crucially important to 'catch' youngsters before the age when the peer pressure to experiment and become a member of a peer group become too powerful.

This booklet is therefore aimed at pupils in Years 7 and 8 but it can be used for children in Year 6. The materials can be used as part of a tutorial/ pastoral package and can be effectively incorporated into the teaching of Citizenship. The pack looks at the question of pupils' responsibilities towards their own health, the health of others and their behaviour towards their parents. The difficult question of parental influence over their children's 'bad' choices is tackled and both, the pupils and the parents are encouraged to think creatively how to resolve issues such as: the conflict between the children's right to privacy and the parents' right to protect their children's health. The pack is therefore also of considerable use to parents who wish to ensure that their children do not take up smoking in the first place, and if they do, how to deal with the subsequent problems.