Our free newsletter
offers tips and tools
you need to create
a happier and
healthier family!

Categories


All Articles

CALL: (888) 972-7736

Teens under 18 may have cigarettes confiscated

By Staff Writer

Nearly 80 percent of adult smokers say they began using cigarettes as teens, according to Teen Drug Abuse, an adolescent statistics site. Substance abuse programs for youth are aimed toward promoting a drug-free lifestyle, but law enforcement can help reduce the number of children using drugs as well.

Authorities in Lee Summit, Kansas were recently permitted to confiscate cigarettes from teens under the age of 18, according to the Kansas City Star. The city council approved an ordinance dedicated to keeping cigarettes out of the hands of minors. After a teen has been caught with tobacco, they may be forced to attend a smoking cessation class or pay a fine for their second offense.

"We're not here to punish parents," program coordinator for the advocacy group Lee's Summit CARES Laura DeCourcy told the news source. "We're really not here to punish kids either. We just want to stop the addiction."

Smoking is still the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control. Substance abuse programs for youth can help children live healthy, drug-free lives.

Share |