Teen Health Course 3

Chapter 13: Tobacco

Parent Letters - English

Parent Letter and Activities
For use with Chapter 13

Dear Parent or Guardian,

We are currently studying tobacco. Specifically, we are discussing the effects of tobacco on the human body and examining the reasons people start using tobacco and become addicted to it. We are emphasizing the benefits of abstaining from tobacco during our study of this important health issue.

Some questions your teen will consider as we discuss this topic are What harmful substances are in tobacco? What damage does tobacco do to body systems? What are the costs to society? What strategies can I use to avoid tobacco use? The topic covered in our current study and these questions focus on a dangerous substance with harmful and sometimes deadly side effects. Students will be encouraged to learn and use refusal skills that enable them to stay tobacco free no matter what their peers or advertisers say.

To support and extend our classroom work, please set aside some time during the next few weeks to complete one or more of the following activities with your teen:

  • Begin a discussion about tobacco use, and how the public’s knowledge and perception has changed over the decades.
  • Role play with your teen about ways to resist peer and media pressure regarding tobacco use. Look at cigarette ads together and try to identify the ways in which advertisers lure people to use their products.
  • Be available to answer questions and concerns your teen may have about tobacco use.

Of course, feel free to engage in other activities you think will help your teen avoid tobacco use. As a health teacher, I’m aware that this is one of the most important health decisions you child can ever make. Your support in making this choice is vital and your activities will be a welcome addition to our efforts here. As always, do not hesitate to contact me for further information.

Sincerely,

Health Teacher

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