The Role of Parents in Preventing Adolescent Smoking

Written by: Mir Aqa Etibar

Cigarettes and snuff are also considered intoxicants, but compared to other intoxicants, less information is provided about the harms of these two elements. In Afghanistan, buying and selling cigarettes and snuff and using it in parties, homes, hotels, offices, and some other places is common without any restrictions, and those who smoke cigarettes and use snuff, never consider themselves addicted. Smoking cigarettes and using snuff increases the risk of diseases that are common such as cancers, heart diseases, strokes, lung diseases, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases.

AEPO’s writer/producer has talked to some people about the addiction of adolescents to cigarettes and snuff and the role of parents in preventing their children from smoking and using snuff.

Nematullah says, “My uncle was used to smoking cigarettes at a young age but later he got used to drinking alcohol, and now later he addicted to heroin and was living under a bridge in Kabul city. He was stealing home appliances and cash from his home and others and had been purchasing heroin. We were ashamed to call him our uncle.”

A boy who doesn’t want to tell his name says, “Before addicting to cigarettes, I had a very good reputation in my family and among other people but when I started smoking, people prevented their children to play with me and my family realized that I am smoking, I lost my value and now no one loves me.”

What do some people think about the causes of smoking and using snuff?

Fakhria from the Qarabagh district of Kabul province says, “As my parents died in the same week, my brother could not tolerate such a big grief so he started smoking to reduce his stress.”

Ahmadudin, a resident of Logar province says, “I and some of my friends were on traveling and we lived together. As most of the boys were smoking and using snuff, I was also addicted to snuff.”

 Muhammad Zahir Shams professor of psychology says, “One of the most important reasons for adolescents to smoke and use snuff is family members who smoke or use snuff. Second, friendships with boys who are addicted to smoking and use snuff; persistent domestic violence; not paying attention to adolescents,neglect of children and adolescents in the family, pressure on them, and some other issues are the reasons that adolescents turn to cigarettes and using snuff.”

How do some families, especially parents prevent their children from smoking and using snuff?

Omid Quraishi, a resident of Logar province says, “I knew that smoking cigarettes and using snuff are bad habits and have never dared to smoke or use snuff. Some of my friends smoke cigarettes and use snuff but as my parents have advised me not to smoke cigarettes, I will never some cigarettes or use snuff.”

Nematullah says, “I am 23 years old and have many friends who smoke cigarettes and use snuff. When they smoke cigarettes, I sit aside. I prefer to do exercise and The exercises prevent me from addiction.”

Professor Zahir Shams says, “An adolescent could not be addicted to smoke overnight, so parents must not create conditions for their children that they can easily be addicted. Do not let your teenagers get depressed. Parents should treat them as if they are close friends; provide an appropriate environment such as reading books, attending meaningful meetings, and doing physical exercises.”