Tools- of Changes

Violence Prevention Programs Could Help Decrease Tobacco Use Among Teens

The risk for using tobacco goes up if you are exposed to multiple forms of violence.

According to a study published in Substance Use & Misuse, exposure to forms of violence such as bullying, cyberbullying, sexual violence and domestic violence is associated with increased past 30-day frequency of cigarette and e-cigarette use among both boys and girls. Every single form of violence was related to increased risk for using each substance. In addition to the risk from each form of violence, there was also a dose response effect: The risk for using tobacco goes up if you are exposed to multiple forms of violence. Identifying students who have experienced violence or are at risk for experiencing violence and assessing their risk for tobacco use may be crucial for effective prevention.