Kids more likely to smoke if you do

Media release

29 May 2007

Kids more likely to smoke if you do

Parents and caregivers are key role models when it comes to keeping young people smokefree, says Tamara Higgs, Taranaki DHB Health Promoter, on behalf of the Taranaki Smokefree/Auahi Kore Providers Group.

A New Zealand survey of 10 and 11 year olds showed that those who thought they would smoke in the near future were more likely to report that they had a parent who smoked. [In Press, ‘2004 HSC Youth Lifestyle Survey Year 6 Report’]

This finding is supported by research showing that young people are more than twice as likely to take up regular smoking when they have a parent who smokes.[Tobacco Control 1998; 7: 268-275] “This reminds us that young people look to their mums and dads as role models for their behaviour,” said Miss Higgs. “When they see a parent smoking they take in the message that smoking is OK for them too.”

Even if parents choose not to quit, there are small changes that parents and caregivers can make to help keep their kids smokefree. “Many parents have taken positive steps in protecting their children from the health dangers of second-hand smoke by making their home and car smokefree,” said Miss Higgs. “Now is the time to go smokefree in front of children as often as possible - ideally all the time. This will protect them not only from passive smoking, but also from the role-modelling of smoking.”

People are encouraged to think twice about lighting up in front of kids wherever they are - at home, in front of the school gates, at the park or on the sports side-lines. The survey also showed that most 10 and 11 year olds thought that more than 50% of adults smoked every day [In Press, ‘2004 HSC Youth Lifestyle Survey Year 6 Report’] - almost double the actual figure of 23%. [Ministry of Health Tobacco Trends 2006] “It is a worry that so many young people think that smoking is a normal part of being an adult” said Miss Higgs. “We all want our kids to grow-up smokefree. By being smokefree around them at all times, wherever we are, we can help make sure this happens.”

ENDS

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