Generation Risk: How to Protect Your Teenager from Smoking and Other Dangerous Behavior

Today's parents are confronted with startling degrees of sophistication, independence and boldness that are the badges of a new age of teenagers.

Though this book might not have been written before the recent spate of antitobacco court decisions, Newton (vice president of corporate and youth responsibility at Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corp.) has written a credible, research-based manual for parents and counselors of teenagers who might be attracted to risky behaviors including smoking. She begins with a discussion of teenage culture, citing typical themes as well as a description of the unique characteristics that may make this generation more prone to dangerous activity. In response, new methods of communication grounded in clarity and mutual respect and programs stressing assertiveness and social refusal skills are presented. The concluding section on smoking, addiction, and related behaviors involves no simple defense of smoking, especially among youth. However, there is also no critique of the industry's past transgressions. Rather the book's "empowerment" approach charges parents and schools with the responsibility of protecting teenagers. Useful for its insights into the mindset of today's adolescents, this book is suitable for public libraries. Antoinette Brinkman, formerly with Southwest Indiana Mental Health Ctr. Lib., Evansville
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Newton heads the youth smoking prevention program for Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation and brings an insider's insights into the dangers of cigarette smoking. Although some readers might be skeptical of her sincerity, this book is quite honest in its assessment of risks from cigarette smoking, particularly for youth, and its frank advice to parents. Newton examines the "interconnected physical, social, and psychological factors that can intrigue and attract teenagers." Cigarette smoking doesn't take place in a social vacuum and is likely to be part of other risky behavior. Her advice is to build strong communication between parents and teens to reduce all risky behaviors. The final section deals specifically with smoking and how parents--including those who smoke themselves--can intervene. Her most prominent advice: don't say don't; instead, she advises focusing on positive interactions and building strong relationships. Vanessa Bush
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