Smoking

The dangers of cigarette smoking are well known. But many young people still see it as cool, or grown up, or rebellious.

If you want your child or teenager to stop lighting up, it's vital to keep communicating openly with them. Don't go in all guns-blazing. Make sure you have accurate facts and figures to support what you're saying.

Whatever the age of your children, think about the messages they get if other members of the family or whānau are smoking.

• Smoking kills more New Zealanders than road crashes, alcohol, other drugs, AIDS, suicide, murder and drowning all added together.
• Around 5000 New Zealanders die from smoking related illness every year.
• Cigarettes are the world's only product that, used as the manufacturer intends, kill around half their users.

• Quitline support and resources or call 0800 778 778
• For facts, figures, link and more, visit  It's Not Our Future

Helpful tips

• Stay calm. Let your child know they can talk to you without you getting cross.
• Don't lecture — they are likely to tune out.
• Ask questions and show you are interested in their opinions.
• Point out any relatives or friends who have suffered the consequences of smoking.
• Talk about the high cost of smoking.
• Talk about how smoking damages skin and teeth — bring the health problems into the present not just consequences in the future.
• Help them figure out what to do when they feel pressured to smoke.
• Set clear boundaries and rules, such as no smoking in your house or car, and no smoking around smaller children and pets.