Smokefree Kids

The American Lung Association has set out three main areas of focus: cures, clean air and smokefree kids. We know that we can raise a generation of kids who lead a smokefree lifestyle. You, as parents, play a vital role in making that happen.

How Parents Can Help

• Talk to your kids about the importance of a smokefree lifestyle
• Know where your kids are, who they hang out with and what activities they are engaged in
• Share the health risks associated with smoking and any personal story you may have about family or friends who suffered from lung disease

Programs

The American Lung Association offers two youth tobacco programs. Teens Against Tobacco Use (TATU) is our youth smoking prevention program. Not-on-Tobacco (NOT) is our youth smoking cessation program.

TATU

TATU is a signature program of the American Lung Association and was first released in 1996. Its main goal is to help teens remain tobacco free. TATU concentrates on the following five components designed to prevent tobacco use:

1. Develop skills to teach younger children about tobacco use and become advocates for a tobacco-free community
2. Understand and identify the positive aspects of being tobacco free and realize the majority of teens and adults do NOT smoke
3. Understand how tobacco advertising and promotions deceive youth
4. Understand how getting hooked on tobacco destroys youth’s freedom and control over their personal lives
5. Develop self-confidence.

TATU is usually implemented as a school club activity and qualifies as a service learning project by enlisting teens as peer educators to help teens and younger children remain tobacco free. One of the key components of TATU is that teens develop their own unique presentations on tobacco use and present them to younger children (4th-6th graders) in their school districts.

NOT

Not on Tobacco is a free 10-week voluntary teen cessation program created to assist teens quit tobacco use. The program incorporates life management skills to help teens deal with stress, decision-making and peer and family relationships. It also addresses healthy lifestyle behaviors such as alcohol or illicit drug use as well as related health issues such as exercise and nutrition.