Research conducted at the University of Washington would appear to indicate that parents can have enough influence over their children, to prevent them from smoking. Professor Min Jung Kim from the Social Development Research Group, and author of the study, claims that by simply communicating the dangers of smoking to their children, they are able to reduce the chances of them becoming addicted to nicotine from a young age.

Kim also goes on to highlight the fact that a child with a parent who smokes, is far more likely to take up the habit then a child of a non smoker, whilst hitting the home the message that parents who quit, send a strong message to their kids.

The study involved 270 teenagers, all of whom were regular smokers. The majority claimed that their parent’s behaviour had a significant impact on their decision whether to smoke or not. Other factors included peer pressure and stress levels. The overall findings were published in the medical journal; Paediatrics.