Photo Description: A group of adults sitting around smoking
assistant
Lets look at this photograph together and discuss how it relates to your physical and mental wellbeing.
While most people are aware that smoking is bad for you, many teenagers are mature enough to think of the long-term consequences.
This is why it is important to increase health literacy. Lets have a discussion with our students about smoking in an informative, factual and non judgemental way.
**STEP 1: Describe what is happening in the photo**  
"A group of adults are smoking."Ask the class to describe the photo. 

**STEP 2: Ask the students what they know about smoking. Discuss the dangers of smoking .
Here are some facts you can use to guide the discussion: 
Addiction Starts Young: Most adult smokers began smoking before they turned 18, often becoming addicted before finishing school. This shows how easy it is to get hooked on cigarettes at a young age.
Dangerous Chemicals: Cigarettes contain harmful substances like nicotine, tar, and carbon monoxide. These chemicals can damage your body in many ways.
Cancer Risk: Smokers are much more likely to develop cancers of the lung, throat, and mouth compared to non-smokers. In fact, 90% of lung cancer cases are due to smoking.
Lung Cancer Statistics: One in ten moderate smokers and nearly one in five heavy smokers (those who smoke more than 15 cigarettes a day) will die of lung cancer. The more you smoke each day and the earlier you start, the higher your risk.
Deep Inhalation: Inhaling smoke deeply and starting at a young age increases the risk of developing lung cancer.
Long-Term Effects: For those who quit smoking, it takes about 15 years for their risk of lung cancer to drop to the same level as someone who has never smoked.
Mouth Cancer Risk: Smokers are four times more likely to get mouth cancer than non-smokers. Cancer can start in various parts of the mouth, including on or under the tongue and on the lips.
Physical Impact: Smoking damages your lungs and makes it harder to breathe, which can affect your ability to play sports and be active.

**STEP 3: Discuss what they can do if they have started smoking and want to quit and the benefits of smoking eg:
Cigarette cravings can start within 30 minutes of your last cigarette and can continue for up to six weeks. They usually last five to 20 minutes. It can be very tough to deal with cravings. Be aware that they will pass eventually. Distract yourself by doing something else. Going for a brisk walk or having an ice cold glass of water can help.

Some people find the ‘5 Ds’ helpful:
Distractyourself by focusing on something else
Delaydoing anything about your craving until the urge passes
Deep breathing– take 20 deep breaths
Drinka glass of cold water or fruit juice
Don’t dwell on it– try your best not to get caught up in thoughts about your cravings