- This post was sponsored by Tobacco Free New York State as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.
When I was growing up, I was surrounded by smokers. My father smoked many cigarettes every single day. He actually started smoking when he was only 15 years old! To this day that boggles my mind. I don’t know how he kept that from my grandparents for so many years. I’m sure his clothes must have smelled of cigarette smoke. I’m also curious as to how he was able to afford cigarettes at such a young age.
I guess that is not so unheard of considering the average age of a new smoker in New York State is 13 years old. Thirteen! Shouldn’t these children be playing video games or playing sports?
I was raised by my paternal grandparents (as well as my father). My grandfather was never without a cigar. He loved to smoke them all the time. I never could stand the smell of them.
I also had aunts and uncles that smoked. You would think being around smokers would have prompted me to become a smoker too. I honestly never had an interest. I never did like the smell. Plus I know how unhealthy smoking can be.
When I became a parent I knew that teaching my children about the health issues surrounding smoking was a priority. Just like under aged drinking and drugs, I wanted my kids to know how strongly my husband and I felt about smoking.
When our children were old enough to understand, we talked to them about the health risks of smoking. I think we may have talked about the dangers of smoking a bit too much because every time they saw their grandfather, and he went outside to smoke, they would get on him about why he needed to stop smoking. Thankfully he eventually did stop smoking and he has been “smoke free” for years.
When our kids got older, and went into high school, smoking became just as much of an issue as under age drinking. In fact, it was MORE of a problem. Both of my kids knew too many peers who were smoking. Some were so bad that they would sneak outside for a smoke, or skip class just to have a cigarette.
About the time my kids started high school, e-cigarettes became popular. In fact, from 2014-2018 e-cigarette use grew 160% among high school students.
E-cigarettes are NOT a healthier alternative. They contain nicotine, just like regular cigarettes. They can make someone become addicted to smoking just as much as cigarettes.
What REALLY bothers me is that e-cigarettes seem to be marked towards teens and young adults. I have seen e-cigarettes available at local stores here in New York, most especially convenient stores and gas stations. Normally the e-cigarettes are found on the wall or counter behind the cashier. There you can find flavors for the e-cigarettes like Gummie Bear, SweeTarts, Laffy Taffy or Sour Patch. How can you tell me that the makers of e-cigarettes are NOT marking these things towards teens and young adults. Grown ups are not interested in Sour Patch flavored e-cigarettes – CHILDREN ARE!
One of the biggest advertisers of cigarettes, e-cigarettes and chew is a gas station/convenience store/coffee spot down the street (WALKING DISTANCE!) from our high school. I see kids in that store every time I’m there (getting coffee). I find it interesting that one of the biggest offenders of advertising this stuff to kids is down the street from the high school. Obviously it’s a prime location for tobacco companies.
The below image is a good representation of what I see when I enter the convenience store mentioned above. I’m sure many stores across the country have similar set ups. This is NOT just a New York State problem.
My kids tell me that their peers think it’s OK to smoke e-cigarettes because they are not as harmful as actual cigarettes. Sadly, these children are VERY misinformed.
Our kids have seen enough. It’s time to take action and protect kids from being exposed to tobacco products in stores – sign the pledge today!
Tobacco Free New York is working hard to educate children and parents on the dangers of smoking (cigarettes, e-cigarettes). According to Tobacco Free New York;
Here in New York State, tobacco companies spend more than a half a million dollars every day to place promotions in stores where kids can see them. And the more they see, the more likely they are to start smoking.
I totally agree with that statement. I see it almost every day.
On their site you can also take a pledge to support their efforts to educate children and adults about the adverse results of smoking are.
The website also provides a lot of valuable resources in regards to smoking policies, the harm that comes from second hand smoke, and more. If you were interested in checking that out, please visit TobaccoFreeNYS.org. You also don’t need to be a New York State resident to check out the site. The information they provide is valuable no matter where you live. Smoking and underage smoking is a nation wide problem, not just in New York State.
You can also visit Tobacco Free New York on social media – Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also join in on the conversation using the hashtag #SeenEnoughTobacco.
What have YOU done to discourage your child from smoking?
Are YOU a smoker? If so, why did you start and do you have plans on quitting?
Feel free to comment and share your thoughts. I always love to hear from readers.
Kimberly