This post was sponsored by Tobacco Free New York State as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.
Big tobacco is everywhere. Lately, I feel like I notice more and more younger people smoking and I can’t believe it. For a long time, it seemed like the dangers of smoking were enough to stop people from smoking. While growing up, both of my parents smoked. Come to think of it, almost all of my friends’ parents smoked. Out of that group, I can happily say that none of my friends smoke. We saw what it did to some of our parents and we did not want any part of it.
Maybe this young group of teens did not have experience with this and they don’t have the experience of seeing someone have health-related issues because of it. Andy by young, I mean 13. Would you believe this is the average age of a new smoker! This is way too young!
Big Tobacco is Everywhere
The emergence of e-cigarettes has exacerbated the use of nicotine products among minors. It seems like more and more teens are trying this each year. From 2014-2018 e-cigarette use grew 160% among high school students. This mom is joining NY in saying ENOUGH IS ENOUGH by signing the pledge!
Tobacco companies are spending billions to put their products in front of our kids in stores. Just like anything, the more kids see tobacco, the more likely they are to start smoking. This makes me so angry that they would be targeting such a young audience.
Two Easy Steps to Educate Your Kids on the Dangers of Big Tobacco
Big tobacco is doing its best to stay on our kid’s radar consistently and constantly. As parents, it’s up to us to fight this onslaught of tobacco messaging however we can. Luckily, there are two easy steps parents can take to help their kids say no to tobacco.
Talk to your kids
I always talk to my girls about the dangers of smoking. I have told them how gross my clothes smelled when I would go out dancing before “no smoking” came the norm.
Talk about all those problems that happen when you smoke. Cancer and heart disease are just two of the many health dangers of smoking. Having conversations in general lets your children know that they can talk to you about anything.
Pin This Image and Spread the Word About Saying No to Big Tobacco
Talking with our kids is an important first step, but the second step is supporting each other in the fight against big tobacco. By Pinning this image and signing the petition, we as parents can work together to spread the word and stand up to these companies that are targeting our children.
Sign the Pledge to Get Tobacco Out of Sight in Stores
Knowing that our kids are exposed to tobacco products in stores is enough to make me mad. They have definitely seen enough. Walking past local convenience stores makes it so easy to see the variety of cigarettes and e-cigarettes easily available.
Sign the “Seen Enough Tobacco” pledge today to make New York a healthier place to live, work and play!
Tell big tobacco our kids have seen enough by signing the petition here.
I’ve signed the Pledge – thank you for sharing this important message!
It is really important to teach your kids the dangers of tobacco. This is a great post!
I read somewhere that more teens are using e-cigs. This creates more kids actually smoking when they are older!
Thanks for the message looking good
Wouldn’t it be nice if people didn’t smoke?
Nice message
I am so signing this. I hate tobacco and am so proud of my husband for quitting before we had kids.
I know some states including mine have passed laws that help deter e-cigarettes being available to kids, anywhere up to 21 years old. Hopefully your legislature will take it up to help effect change. It started with parents gathering at Board of Education meetings, then getting the senators and representatives involved, to pass laws. It probably helps to have a small group of people who can put the time and effort in to champion the efforts. It is worth it for sure.
Smoking is such a nasty habit!
I am glad that I have always been a non smoker. this is an important topic for sure to discuss with your kids.
I am signing! That’s the least I can do for our kids! I grew up with cigarette smoke 💨 being blown in my face! When we were riding in the car and eating dinner at the table, heck everywhere!! I refused to do this to my children and my grandkids. None of them smoke! Thank you Lord! 🙏🏼❤️
I sure regretted the day I started smoking because it was very hard to quit. Thanks for posting!
I hope everyone signs this petition! Such an important issue. Thanks for sharing this!
Great post, shared on Pinterest. Wish everyone would just stop smoking.
Signed, I’m glad they are having this. I don’t want my Grandkids to grow up smoking. I hate to be around anyone smoking,
Good of you to promote this campaign!
stop smoking is so hard after 15 years i know what it does and still cant stop…
Great article! So very important to teach our children the facts about smoking in hopes they never start.
Things we getting better until e-cigarettes got popular
I am definitely going to sign the petition. Thanks for the info.
Such an important cause! I plan to sign the petition!
I know from experience how hard it is to quit.
Such an important topic and info! Thanks for such an informative post!