This kid in my neighborhood makes a point of smoking while he's walking down the street. He's probably about 10 years old. I do not know his parents, so I don't know if they are OK with it. Should I just ignore his behavior, or should I say something?
2006-08-28 09:13:52 · 48 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Other - Health
i would ignore it- he's not going to listen to you anyway. But, if you feel strongly about it, follow him home and then tell his parents.
2006-08-28 09:16:55 · answer #1 · answered by Mandy 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
First of all, if you see him around the neighbor a lot, then confront him or his parents (if around). If not, then the next time you see a kid smoking confront him without any 'what ifs'. Other than that just leave him alone. The most important part that you did was, caring about his well-being. That's the best feeling you can get. If you meddle around with things then, you'll probably get hurt. So, stay out unless your confident, but if you really want to help him then say to him,"You know that is bad for you lungs." or if you see him around and you are also outside and he passes by you then wave hi and when you guys kind of know each other ask him if he can be your friend and if you are friends say that you will come over to his house then if he lets you go, then tell his parents.Hope this helps a little.:)
2006-08-28 09:31:08 · answer #2 · answered by shurikeninnaruto 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The parents most likely know, but you want to do something and I commend you on that.
Does he go to a local school ....If so why not help the school out and help start a information program for children and smoking . if you live in a big city or near one their are grants to do just this. I know it would take more effort than you wish to spend but you can make a difference in more lives WOW what a good feeling.
Or you can, see if you can find where they are coming from. It may be a local store selling to anyone or a group of kids hanging out by a store and charging to get them .
Don't go to the store and ask them to stop go to the local police department and tell them what you think, they can handle them for then on.
2006-08-28 09:25:59 · answer #3 · answered by aaricka 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'd probably mind my own business unless you know him and have spoken to him before. If you know him enough to say "Hi"... I'd mention how smoking really is horrible, especially when you are growing, how it stunts your growth etc, and how all the cash ppl waste on cigs could buy some kickass cool stuff, like video games, music, dvds. I don't know if I'd rat to his parents or not. They could be real asshats or something, and I’d hate for you to get into a bad relationship with his parents and have to live with the consequences of being hated by the neighbors. If you are truly concerned, you can try to get to know the parents, and keep this tidbit of info about their son under your belt, until you feel them out a bit and conclude whether divulging his smoking habit would be appropriate. I'm sorry, but it really is a play it by ear kind of thing in today's world. Too bad we don't live in a world like "Leave it to Beaver"... all would be resolved with little drama. Good luck to you and mad kudos for actually caring about a kid's well-being. You are obviously a very sweet and caring person.
2006-08-28 09:25:34 · answer #4 · answered by Flyleaf 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You should ask his parents if they would allow a ten year old to smoke and if not, then tell the parents. But the real question is, where does the kid get the cigarettes
2006-08-28 09:20:53 · answer #5 · answered by Coco 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
NO parent with half an ounce of sense will LET their 10 year old son smoke.......I would politely tell the kid he shoudn't smoke and explain briefly why.......If I saw him smoking again I would make note of where he lives and speak with his parents.
You can't sit back and do nothing; It takes a villiage to raise a child
2006-08-28 09:27:30 · answer #6 · answered by Natural_Woman 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You could just hint that it is not cool to smoke and that you are not impressed by it. Often they think they are tough when lighting a cigarette and most of the time they don't even like it. Just image and attitude. Break the attitude and the cigarette's gone, unless he is part of some group of course. Then other rules apply.
2006-08-28 09:21:19 · answer #7 · answered by Avatar13 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm afraid I'm one of those who has to say something, even if I get a mouthful of abuse. At least my conscience is clear and I know I didn't just walk by and say nothing. I would just say (being a smoker myself) It's not as easy to give up as you think you know! And would think up some new statistic to tell him every time I saw him. I wish someone had done the same for me.
2006-08-28 09:20:32 · answer #8 · answered by sarkyastic31 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Tell the parents while the kid is young enough to still be scared of them.
Starting that young, he'll have a very difficult time kicking it byt he time he's 16.
If it were my kid, I'd want to know. I don't want my kid dying of Emphysema or Lung Cancer when she's 60.
2006-08-28 09:17:56 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
Hope on your bike for a 'ride around the neighborhood' and follow him home. Then you can tell the parents. But personally I would just shake my head, be happy that it's not my kid, and stay out of it.
2006-08-28 09:25:32 · answer #10 · answered by BeC 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think you should say something. The kid shouldnt be smoking. hes too young. If you say somethingm there is at least a slight chance he will listen, and then also you wont have to worry anymore because you tried.
2006-08-28 09:17:57 · answer #11 · answered by writenimage 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋