Massachusetts Personal Injury Library
Doctors Try to Protect Children from Smoking
Smoking among children and adolescents is a serious health issue. Research shows that each day 1,000 children under age 18 start smoking tobacco. And children are affected by second-hand smoke as well, if member of their family are smokers.
According to a 2005 article in the journal Pediatrics, a poll indicated that the public perceives drugs or drug abuse, alcohol abuse, and smoking as among the top three problems facing adolescents today.
Addiction starts at young age
According to National Survey on Drug Use and Health by the 12th grade, 54% of American youth have tried cigarettes and 24% are current smokers. Research shows that addiction to smoking usually begins at an average age of 12 years, and most smokers were regular smokers by age 14. And children who begin smoking at a young age continue smoking into adulthood.
Pediatricians are concerned about smoking and how it affects the health of children and adolescents in their care. The AAP says that smoking is often associated with poor school grades, low aspirations, alcohol and other drug use,school absences, and anticipated dropping out. Research shows that tobacco addiction at an early age can lead to addictions to other illegal substances as well.
They realize that there are many factors involved in children becoming smokers: culture, ethnicity, income level, and marketing are among several factors. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention prevalence of cigarette smoking is highest among American Indians/Alaska Natives (36.4%), followed by African Americans (19.8%), whites (21.4%), Hispanics (13.3%), and Asians [excluding Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders](9.6%).
The guidelines developed by the AAP encourage pediatricians to:
- become knowledgeable about substance abuse of tobacco in their communities
- discuss smoking prevention with their child and adolescent patients
- look for the signs of substance abuse of tobacco among their patients
- be able to evaluate and screen for substance abuse
- serve as a community resource for substance abuse in their communities
- advocate for smoking prevention activities in their communities
- be aware of smoking treatment programs available in the community
- advise parents that smoking at a young age can lead to serious health problems
When you are interviewing Boston child injury attorneys ask critical questions, like: how long have you been practicing; what is the largest settlement or verdict you've obtained, and do you have experience with burn accidents involving children? Kiley Law Group, located in Andover and Boston, Massachusetts takes time when speaking with you about your case and works with you on a contingent basis so there are NO FEES unless our trained personal injury lawyers wins your case. Call now for a FREE evaluation of your case – 1-888-208-1695.
