Quit for your kids on World Smokefree Day

30 May 2006

Quit for your kids on World Smokefree Day

This year’s smokefree wish is for parents and family to stop smoking in front of young people because children who see their parents smoking are more than twice as likely to become smokers later. (Tobacco Control 1998;7:268-275)

Toi Te Ora – Public Health Health Promoter Vanessa Oxley says taking the smoke outside to protect children from second-hand smoke is a good start, but quitting sends an even more powerful message to children.

“Kids learn by watching adults,” she says. “Most parents want the best for their children and parents are powerful role models.”

Vanessa Oxley says quitting smoking is one of the best gifts parents can give their children and World Smokefree Day is a key date for people to focus on planning a quit attempt.

“I don’t believe any parent wants their child to start smoking and face the increased risk of lung cancer, heart attack or blindness,” she says. “All parents want the best for their children and they can make a real difference by not smoking around them.”

Locally, Toi Te Ora – Public Health, Otumoetai College and Nga Kakano Foundation (Maori Health Services provider) are raising awareness at Otumoetai College for World Smokefree Day tomorrow 31 May, between 1:30 and 2:30pm.

Staff will be handing out information packs to students containing a fact sheet, smokefree pamphlets, stickers, postcards and bookmarks. A balloon blowing up competition is also being held – the winner will receive a smokefree t-shirt.

ENDS