There isn’t any type of “good” tobacco. Using any kind of tobacco product is unsafe, especially for kids, teens, and young adults, but worldwide, at least 14 million young people aged 13 to 15 currently use tobacco products, according to CDC’s 2006-2017 Global Youth Tobacco Survey (CDC).

This is why there was a day dedicated to help bring awareness to this. May 31is World No Tobacco Day, a day that informs the public on the dangers of using tobacco, the business practices of tobacco companies, what the World Health Organization (WHO) is doing to fight the tobacco epidemic, and what people around the world can do to claim their right to health and healthy living and to protect future generations.

One of the main reasons why young kids become addicted to tobacco is the lack of attention they get from parents. They go out and find that using tobacco is a way to help them cope with what is going on in their lives.

What is secondhand smoke? Secondhand smoke is smoke from burning tobacco products, like cigarettes, cigars, hookahs, or pipes. It also is smoke that has been exhaled, or breathed out, by the person smoking. At least 500 million people younger than 15 in 21 countries are exposed to secondhand smoke (Cancer.org).

A way to help end these trends is by educating children to stay away from tobacco products, and avoid walking near anyone who is smoking. Teens can urge their parents to set a good example by quitting because the smell of tobacco permeates the house affecting everyone who lives and visits there.

It’s never too late to quit, but sometimes people need to have a plan. Teens who smoke can call these numbers and those who don’t can encourage the adults in their lives, starting on World Tobacco Day.

• 1-800-QUIT-NOW (English)
• 1-855-DÉJELO-YA (Spanish)
• 1-800-838-8917 (Cantonese & Mandarin)
• 1-800-556-5564 (Korean)
• 1-800-778-8440 (Vietnamese)