TOBACCO
&
E-Cigarettes
Despite governmental restrictions and the alarming and highly-publicized health risks, today’s teens are smoking cigarettes and e-cigarettes at a startling rate. Why are they drawn to cigarettes? Is it adolescent rebellion? An attempt to be cool or fit in with a particular crowd? Tobacco’s reputation as an appetite suppressant? Is it the mistaken belief that cigarette smoking reduces stress? (It doesn’t – scientific studies have shown that the anxiety produced by the anticipation of the next cigarette causes more stress than the act of smoking alleviates.)
Check out the B-PEN Parent Network Newsletter Special Issue on Teen Smoking.
THERE'S A WHOLE LOTTA VAPING GOING ON
Vaping and e-cigarettes are providing an accessible and sneaky way for kids to smoke – some vape pens and juuls work without fumes or visible vapors to give them away. And at BHS, there’s a whole lot of vaping going on, increasing nicotine consumption and providing new ways to smoke marijuana. B-PEN recommends this excellent new newsletter from Wachusett Regional High School's Head of Guidance, Jon Krol, that offers a lot of basic info parents need to know - https://www.smore.com/td0s1
And Stanford has an excellent Tobacco Prevention Toolkit with loads of helpful information.
&
E-Cigarettes
Despite governmental restrictions and the alarming and highly-publicized health risks, today’s teens are smoking cigarettes and e-cigarettes at a startling rate. Why are they drawn to cigarettes? Is it adolescent rebellion? An attempt to be cool or fit in with a particular crowd? Tobacco’s reputation as an appetite suppressant? Is it the mistaken belief that cigarette smoking reduces stress? (It doesn’t – scientific studies have shown that the anxiety produced by the anticipation of the next cigarette causes more stress than the act of smoking alleviates.)
Check out the B-PEN Parent Network Newsletter Special Issue on Teen Smoking.
THERE'S A WHOLE LOTTA VAPING GOING ON
Vaping and e-cigarettes are providing an accessible and sneaky way for kids to smoke – some vape pens and juuls work without fumes or visible vapors to give them away. And at BHS, there’s a whole lot of vaping going on, increasing nicotine consumption and providing new ways to smoke marijuana. B-PEN recommends this excellent new newsletter from Wachusett Regional High School's Head of Guidance, Jon Krol, that offers a lot of basic info parents need to know - https://www.smore.com/td0s1
And Stanford has an excellent Tobacco Prevention Toolkit with loads of helpful information.
BROOKLINE HIGH SCHOOL HAS NEW SMOKING POLICY
Did you know that BHS has a new policy regarding smoking? Now students and staff are not allowed to smoke within 400 feet of any school building. This policy was designed to discourage student smoking during the school day by reducing access. The goal also is to discourage non-smokers from taking up the habit, since smoking will not be present outside school buildings. This new policy may be very difficult for some students who are already addicted to smoking. The Prevention/Intervention team encourages parents to support their teens and talk to his/her pediatrician about cessation techniques and resources. Students who need support during the school day can get help from Prevention/Intervention specialists Mary Minott and Jorge Membreño in Room 149. Click here to see a map of buffer zone distances. |
WHAT'S THE DEAL WITH E-CIGARETTES?
E-cigarettes, which have particular allure for middle school and high school kids for their range of "flavors," are on the upswing. Two recent NY Times articles explore this troubling new trend. "E Cigarettes Lure Young" Business -- "Young Using E-Cigarettes" TEEN ACCESS TO TOBACCO GOES UP IN SMOKE In Brookline, you have to be 19 or older to purchase tobacco products. BHS Peer Leaders initially proposed this legislation to reduce teen access to tobacco products. Read more in this TAB article. Town Meeting created a new by law banning pharmacies and educational institutions from selling tobacco products. BHS Peer Leaders were impressive in their initiatives to advocate for the change, submitting a TAB editorial as well as identifying and calling all Town Meeting members prior to the vote. Senior Tharindu Weeresinghe made a direct appeal, telling the assembled that one of his best friends in middle school took up smoking, which led to other drugs. “I know all of you have sons and daughters and grandkids, and it could have been your kid...your grandkid,” he said. “Our future is in your hands.” Read more: New bylaw bans tobacco sales at pharmacies and schools - Brookline, Massachusetts - Brookline TAB http://www.wickedlocal.com/brookline/features/x745437139/New-bylaw-bans-tobacco-sales-at-pharmacies-and-schools#ixzz1eBDTXnRy |
If you're looking for persuasive arguments to dissuade your teen from smoking, try appealing to his/her vanity. The FDA is targeting teens with information about the damage smoking can do to skin, teeth and breath. Check out this recent article.
Smoking can damage every part of the body. These are some of increased risks from smoking. RT graphic & educate others. twitter.com/CDCTobaccoFree…
— CDC Tobacco Free (@CDCTobaccoFree) October 29, 2012
TOBACCO RESOURCES
American Lung Association - How to Quit Smoking
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Tobacco and Smoking Resources
American Cancer Society Teens and Tobacco
From the 84 Project: It's not just Cigarettes - Other Tobacco Products Aimed at the Teen Market
Smoking Hotline - 1-800-QUIT-NOW
Public Health's "Smoking in America" resources
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Tobacco and Smoking Resources
American Cancer Society Teens and Tobacco
From the 84 Project: It's not just Cigarettes - Other Tobacco Products Aimed at the Teen Market
Smoking Hotline - 1-800-QUIT-NOW
Public Health's "Smoking in America" resources