TOBACCO USE AMONG ADOLESCENTS - STRATEGIES FOR PREVENTION

Tobacco use is a major public health issue that has its onset primaril y during the pediatric years. Preventing the onset of tobacco use by c hildren and adolescents should be a priority. A comprehensive strategy includes interventions by pediatricians and other health professional s, policy changes, advertising restrictions, comprehensive school heal th education programs, and community advocacy. Because the physician-p arent-chiId relationship is unique, physicians have many opportunities to help prevent tobacco use, both in their offices and in their commu nities.