In one phrase, how would you describe peer pressure to use tobacco?
Understand why people use tobacco (e.g. for pleasure, to fit in, peer pressure). Know the risks. Tobacco use can lead to serious health problems. If someone offers you tobacco, recognize you have the power to make your own decisions.
Dealing with Peer Pressure to Use Tobacco
In the United States, the average age when someone first tries tobacco is 12-13 years old. Cigarette smoking has decreased by more than 50% over the last 50 years. The World Health Organization estimates that tobacco kills nearly 6 million people each year - more than AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria combined.
Did you know?
What are some strategies that you can use to resist peer pressure to use tobacco, and how effective have they been for you or someone you know?
Work together in pairs: What strategies do you think would be most effective for resisting peer pressure to use tobacco?
Brain break: Draw an octopus playing a guitar