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New Online Quit Smoking Program for Teens

In a bid to cut down on teen smoking, the National Cancer Institute has introduced a new online quit program. It can currently be found at teen.smokefree.gov. In January, a smartphone application will be added as a helpful tool for teens who want to quit.

According to Lloyd Johnston, who researches teen behavior and drug use at the University of Michigan, 19 percent of teens smoke by the time they reach rthe 12th grade. Many of these teenagers go on to become habitual adult smokers, and those who smoke lightly as a teen often become heavy smokers in adulthood.

Many teens never try to quit, as the threat of a disease that might occur in several decades does not give them adequate motivation. By the time they do notice diminishing health and other negative effects from smoking, the habit has become so entrenched that quitting may take many attempts over several years. Others never succeed to give up, and they eventually become one of thousands of smokers who lives end early due to their addiciton.

The National Cancer Institute hopes the new program will give young smokers motivation to quit, plus the necessary information and tools to help them. The program discusses many situations teens may find themselves in when cravings become strong, such as when they feel bored, argue with their parents, or attend a party.