COLUMBIA (WACH)—By most estimates and polls, the number of teens who light up is on the decline, however, with an average ranging between 12 and 19 percent lighting up by grade 12, a new campaign is aiming to speak their la nguage.

University of Michigan’s Llyod Johnston says that “This is very good news for the health and longevity of these young people,” pointing out that a decline of even 1 percent can equal the prevention of thousands of deaths related to smoking.

In an effort to continue the decline, the National Cancer Institute has launched a new initiative, including a special website, and Smartphone application, all with the goal of helping teens quit smoking before they become adults.

Finding the message that will resonate with adolescents isn’t always easy, according to the National Cancer Institute’s, Erik Auguston, as he feels they are not “receptive to messages about diseases they won’t develop for decades.”  According to Auguston, often times when teens try to quit, they go at it alone and fail.

Citing that anti-smoking messaging is often speaking to adults, and excludes teens, the NCI’s Smokefree Teen Program has a different approach, with messaging that empower teens, such as “We’re NOT going to tell you what to do.”  Other parts of the program include materials that are targeted at teen specific triggers, including mood, social life, and peer pressure. 

The NCI will also speak their language by including social media and text messaging, where teens can turn to others for support and motivational messaging.  The Smokefree T-X-T program offers 24 hour encouragement, advice, tips, all through texts and social media.  Once they sign up, they pick an expected quit date, and supportive text messages are also sent for up to 6 weeks, providing further support and motivation.

USA Today reports that behavioral scientist Alexander Prokhorov feels the new program is a “gigantic step in the right direction.”  Prokhorov has also developed a website that utilizes messages such about smoking staining teeth, creating bad breath, and being harmful to the environment.

We would like to know what you think about the National Cancer Institute’s new initiative to communicate directly with teens?  In your mind is teen smoking still a big problem, or are you more concerned about other drug use?  Leave a message here or on our Facebook page