Teenagers Want Adults to Intervene in Tobacco Use, Study Says

Teenagers expect and want adults to discourage them from using tobacco, according to new research from the Umea University in Sweden, Science Daily reported May 5.

Researcher Maria Nilsson evaluated the impact of an anti-smoking program, Tobacco-Free Duo, which started in 1993. The program targets children between the ages of 13-15 and includes adults supporting the teenagers in staying tobacco-free.

Nilsson found that smoking rates declined among adolescents in the program over a seven-year period, while no corresponding change was observed at the national level. In addition, one in four tobacco-using adults participating in the program stopped smoking in order to take part.

“Children expect adults to work against tobacco. They say this is important and that grown-ups can make a difference by showing a clear and positive commitment,” said Nilsson.

Survey results on 15-year-old smokers showed that close relationships with caring adults played an important role in getting teenagers to smoke less or stop smoking all together.

The findings are part of Nilsson’s dissertation, Promoting Health in Adolescents: Preventing the Use of Tobacco.