US: Lorillard Enhances Strategies To Keep Kids Smoke Free

Source from:  PRWEB  05/04/2014

You've told your kids in no uncertain terms that smoking is off limits. You've made certain they understand there will be consequences if you ever catch them smoking. You may have even run through an exhaustive list of the dangers of smoking with them. You've done your part, right?

Many parents seem to think so. Recent Internet search trends indicate that parents aren't seeking out websites devoted solely to youth smoking prevention. This doesn't mean they don't see the need to talk to their kids about not smoking. Rather, they're search for parenting advice is targeted at broader information, not solely smoking prevention.

For that reason, Real Parents Real Answers, a youth smoking prevention program sponsored by Lorillard Tobacco Company, has engineered a new website format that includes parenting advice on everything from preventing cyberbullying and boosting kids self-esteem to encouraging healthy living and promoting decision-making skills. The new content works hand-in-hand with the site's number one goal of keeping kids smoke free.

"Smoking continues to be prevalent among our youth, so it's as important as ever that parents continue to educate themselves and their kids on the dangers of smoking," says parenting expert and longtime spokesman for the program, Dr. Michael Popkin.

"What we've learned over the years is that there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to keeping kids from smoking. But what's consistent is that the stronger the overall relationship between a parent and a child, the better chance there is that child will remain smoke free. For that reason, we've made a real push to make this website a total resource for parents to raise healthy, happy kids with a special emphasis on youth smoking prevention. And we believe the end result of our efforts will be more kids who choose not to smoke."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every day more than 3,200 people younger than 18 years of age smoke their first cigarette and an estimated 2,000-plus youth and young adults who have been occasional smokers become daily cigarette smokers. Electronic cigarette use is on the rise, with e-cigarette use doubling among middle and high school students from 2011-2012. With this knowledge, the revised RPRA site will also offer information to parents to help them communicate with their kids about this new temptation.

"We are confident that the updated website will provide a real benefit to parents," said Ron Milstein, executive vice president of legal and external affairs at Lorillard. "Lorillard is 100 percent committed to youth smoking prevention. For that reason, we threw our resources into creating a newly designed website that addresses all aspects of what it takes to keep today's kids smoke free. The updated website is designed to provide expert advice, helpful tools and tips, and an enhanced experience to help reach that goal." Enditem