What do I do if I think my child is smoking?

Talk about it with them. Be clear about your reasons for not wanting them to smoke. Give balanced information from an outside source about the pros and cons, rather than getting angry. Focus on the effects of smoking, for example, the smell, losing fitness, the effects on the skin, hair and teeth. Talk about the high cost: work out what their smoking could cost them over a year.

Point out that many successful people, from celebs to sports stars, have spoken out against smoking — and that includes people who have plenty of attitude.

Ask for honesty. It's important your family stays up-front about any smoking. Agree on clear family rules about smoke-free zones inside your house and car, and what the consequences will be if the rules are broken (work this out before a crisis point). Make sure consequences are enforced.

Help your teenager to find and do activities where they can be independent and feel good about themselves, for example getting into a sport or playing a musical instrument.

Make it clear you'll offer all the support you can to help them quit. Recognise how hard it is to quit — don't give up if the first try does not work.

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