The Take Down Tobacco program is a 365 day a year effort that culminates every March with the Take Down Tobacco National Day of Action.
This year’s Take Down Tobacco National Day of Action is being held today (Wednesday, March 18). Kick Butts Day is a day of activism that empowers youth to stand out, speak up and seize control against Big Tobacco. Events are held in schools and communities around the world to spread awareness of danger of tobacco consumption.
On Kick Butts Day, youth are encouraged to:
- Raise awareness of the problem of tobacco use in your state or community.
- Encourage youth to reject the tobacco industry’s deceptive marketing and stay tobacco-free; and
- Urge elected officials to take action to protect kids from tobacco.
- Kick Butts Day is organized by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.
While overall tobacco use among both youth and adults has steadily declined, e-cigarette use, especially among youth, is increasing at an alarming rate, and is a serious public health issue. In 2018, e-cigarette use was declared as an epidemic, and an advisory was issued emphasizing e-cigarette use and prevention.
Ways to Educate Your Child from Using E-cigarettes & Help Them Stop?
- Talk to your child or teen about why e-cigarettes are harmful for them. It’s never too late.
- Set a good example by being tobacco-free and ensure that your kid is not exposed to the second-hand emissions from any tobacco products, including e-cigarettes.
- If you use tobacco, it’s never too late to quit.
- Talk to your child or teen about why e-cigarettes are harmful for them. Before you begin Get credible information about e-cigarettes.
- Get the Talk with Your Teen About E-cigarettes hazards. Start the conversation early with children about why e-cigarettes are harmful for them. Avoid criticism and encourage an open dialogue. Remember, your goal is to have a conversation, not to deliver a lecture. It’s OK for your conversation to take place over time, in bits and pieces.
- Let your child know that you want them to stay away from all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, because they are not safe for them. Seek help and get involved. Science shows that e-cigarettes contain ingredients that are addictive and could harm different parts of the body.
- As their brain is still developing, which means they are more vulnerable to addiction. Many e-cigarettes contain nicotine and using nicotine can change your brain to make you crave more nicotine. It can also affect memory and concentration. Also, when people use e-cigarettes, they breathe in tiny particles that can harm their lungs.
- Set up an appointment with your child’s health care provider so that they can hear from a medical professional about the health risks of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes.
- Speak with your child’s teacher and school administrator about enforcement of tobacco-free school grounds policies and tobacco prevention curriculum.
- Encourage your child to learn the facts and get tips for quitting tobacco products