What the Health Unit is Doing | What Parents Can Do
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It’s Working….Fewer Youth Are Smoking!
The reported use of cigarettes has declined by almost 40% since 2001:
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18% of students in grades 7-12 smoked at least one cigarette in the past year. More females (20%) smoked than males (15%) for boys.
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10% of students have used spit tobacco (chew or snuff) at least once in the past year. More males (18%) than females (4%) used spit tobacco.
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10% of students in grades 7-12 are current smokers. By grade 12, 29% are current smokers. A “current smoker” is someone who has smoked at least 100 cigarettes in their lifetime and still smokes. |
Restricting underage access to tobacco products
Even though the rate of cigarette use is going down, many young people still get their cigarettes or chew from their immediate family such as parents and siblings.
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The Smoke Free Ontario Act 3(1) states “No person shall sell or supply tobacco to a person who is less than 19 years old.” Smoke Free Ontario regulations assist store clerks in their role by raising the apparent age to which identification must be provided. Those that appear to be under the age of 25 must be asked to show photo ID. Find out more about Smoke Free Ontario Regulations at the Ministry of Health website. |
Although stores and clerks are checking for ID, youth tell us that they are still able to get tobacco products. By law, a parent can be charged for giving tobacco to his or her own child if the child is under the age of 19.
Working toward a tobacco-free norm! Although most of the public does not use any tobacco products, many youth seem to believe that ‘all the kids are smoking’. When teens believe it is a normal part of growing up, they begin to form more positive opinions about trying it. We are working to change these attitudes and gain community support in a variety of ways.
Tobacco-Free Sports
We know that elite athletes, especially in hockey and football, admit to using spit tobacco and think it is a safe alternative to cigarettes, However, it is not safe; nicotine harms the heart and blood vessels right away. We work with coaches to talk to their teams about the harmful effects of any tobacco and to develop policies that support tobacco-free sports. Learn more about Tobacco-Free Sports.
Youth Action Alliance
The Youth Action Alliance is a program that helps youth to build their leadership skills. There are four Youth Action Alliance “clusters” in communities across the Thunder Bay District. Each cluster has 8-10 paid youth leaders and many volunteers. Youth leaders promote a tobacco-free lifestyle, organize tobacco control activities and learn how they can help their community change. The program is powerful because it allows youth to develop skills in leadership, advocacy, social change and community awareness. Youth Action Alliances also work to change the public perception of tobacco use and they educate youth about the tobacco industry’s marketing tactics.
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A child’s thoughts and opinions about tobacco are formed early – before the age of 10. Parents have the most influence during this time. Talk to your kids!
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Tell your kids how you feel about ALL forms of tobacco.
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Make it real. Tell your teen about people you know whose lives have been affected by tobacco.
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Reinforce your rules when you see other youth smoking.
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Be tobacco-free outside the home as well: Ensure your teen's team supports
Tobacco-Free Sports policies.
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Help your child practice ‘saying no’.
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Make time to listen.
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But I smoke! How can I talk to my kids?
You are the perfect person to do this!
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Tell them your story: Why did you start? Do you have any regrets?
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Explain how powerful the addiction is. Talk about your attempts to quit.
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Be clear about what you expect from them. Set clear rules for no smoking in the home and car.
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Don’t leave cigarettes lying around.
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