How do you stop smoking in adolescents?

Today, smoking is no longer a habit for adults. Already many young children and adolescents also smoke. Dr. Theresia Sandra Diah Ratih, MHA, as the Head of the Sub-Directorate General of P2PTM of the Indonesian Ministry of Health explained that the number of Indonesian children and adolescents who actively smoke is increasing.

Dr. Sandra further said that the number of children and adolescents who became active smokers doubled from 24.2 percent in 2001 to more than 54 percent in 2016. The latest data from Riskesdas in 2013 shows that Jakarta, Bogor and Mataram are the three locations in Indonesia, which has the largest population of active smoking children (over the age of 10 years).

The increasing number of children and adolescents who smoke from year to year proves that there are still few Indonesian boys and girls who are aware of the real dangers of smoking on health. So, what causes children to smoke and how can we stop smoking?

Why do children smoke?

It is undeniable that when friends around you smoke, chances are that your child will also try smoking too. This he did to feel more accepted by the social circle, without thinking about his body's health. Dr. Sandra then added, it is not uncommon for children to often start smoking after seeing their father smoke at home. Why?

The age of children and adolescents is a critical age, where the brain is going through the most changes during the child's development. Major changes mainly occur in the frontal lobe of the brain, which is located in the front of the head. The frontal lobe is responsible for the process of reasoning when making decisions, shaping personality, and carrying out intellectual processes (thinking) and interactions. Simply put, the frontal lobe helps you to think logically and regulate behavior.

Unfortunately, this part of the brain responsible for deciding what's good and bad isn't fully mature until a child is in her twenties. That is why children and adolescents are a group of people who are most vulnerable to environmental influences, especially the bad ones. This is also what makes children and adolescents often reckless to do something risky and tend to be reckless, even dangerous, without thinking. Gradually, from the first try, it becomes difficult to stop.

What are the dangers of smoking to children and adolescents?

You may be very familiar with the slogan "smoking can cause cancer, heart attacks, impotence, pregnancy and fetal problems". This warning, of course, does not only apply to adults. This health risk can also come to children who smoke. There was no difference in the risk of complications between child smokers and adult smokers.

Smokers who started young and who just started as adults were equally at risk for heart disease, respiratory tract, cancer, and diabetes. One of the most common diseases caused by smoking is lung cancer. However, almost all types of cancer can be caused by smoking.

"Whatever it is (complications from smoking), the risk will remain the same (at all ages)," said dr. Sandra when met by the Hello Sehat team in Kuningan at the launch of the Young Health Program in collaboration between AstraZeneca and the Indonesian Ministry of Health, Tuesday (14/8).

Even so, he continued that the smaller the age (a person) when he started smoking, the more and longer the duration of exposure to cigarette toxins. So, the likelihood that children will get diseases caused by smoking will occur faster than those who just started smoking when they are adults. Basically, children and adolescents who smoke have a worse health status than those who do not smoke.

In addition to the risk of chronic disease, smoking from childhood can also disrupt oral health. Smokers who start as children will be faster and have more tartar and gum and mouth infections. Smoking children can also cause problems in muscles and bones, which will cause many problems in their old age.

Tips for quitting smoking

Quitting smoking is not easy, but that doesn't mean it's impossible. Dr. Sandra emphasized that the role of yourself and those around you can help you quit smoking.

Starting from the intention in yourself to quit smoking

Even though it sounds cliché, the intention and determination to quit smoking must come from yourself. Tell yourself to quit smoking and commit to that sentence.

You can start slowly by gradually reducing the number of cigarettes that you usually consume. If you feel like smoking, you can replace it with chewing gum or eating crackers.

At the start of your smoking cessation plan, make up your mind to stay away from people who smoke a lot. This is the simplest and most effective smoking cessation strategy to lower your desire to smoke again. Join friends who don't smoke instead of hanging out with other smokers. The reason is that if you are still surrounded by smokers, your willpower can falter at times and it will be harder for you to start quitting.

Don't forget to keep busy with various activities that can cancel your intention to smoke. For example, by joining extracurricular activities at school or sports clubs after school.

The role of parents and the environment is also important

As a parent, you are a powerful influence in the lives of children and youth. So, you also have to give an example that smoking really shouldn't be done by anyone. Ask him what motivated him to smoke and give a clear understanding of the bad effects of smoking on his health. Give an overview also about the diseases caused by smoking. Do not just prohibit children from smoking, without providing clear information,

Besides that, dr. Sandra revealed that there must be external pressure that makes children and adolescents want to do something to stop smoking. For example, by making strict rules that make children have no space or opportunity to smoke. For example, making arrangements with children to set a definite date on which they should start smoking cessation. After that, the rules apply that no cigarettes and cigarette smoke should enter the house. Apply this rule evenly for all family members and guests who come to the house.

You can also reward children if they are able to quit smoking, which will make them more motivated to quit completely.