Policy & Advocacy
An estimated 80% - 90% of adult smokers began smoking during adolescence. Nearly half of the pediatric population is exposed to secondhand smoke. For these reasons, tobacco use can be considered a pediatric disease.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is dedicated to addressing child health issues related to tobacco.
AAP Policy Statement
In November 2009, the AAP released their first policy statement on tobacco: Tobacco Use: A Pediatric Disease. This policy statement is significant because it is a comprehensive, straightforward approach to changing the current climate surrounding tobacco use and smoke exposure in children.
Technical Reports and Appendices
The release of the 2009 Policy Statement was accompanied by two technical reports and three appendices
Technical Reports
- Secondhand and Prenatal Tobacco Smoke Exposure
This report discusses the harms of tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure, the extent and costs of tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure, and the evidence that supports counseling and other clinical interventions in the cycle of tobacco use. - Tobacco as a Substance of Abuse
This report emphasizes the need for clinicians caring for pediatric patients to provide tobacco use and exposure prevention and cessation education and advice, screening and counseling, and intervention and referral for patients and their families.
Appendices
- Diseases and Other Adverse Health Events with which Secondhand or Prenatal Tobacco Smoke Exposure has been Associated
This appendix details many negative health consequences that smoking can cause. These health outcomes have been shown in research studies to have an association with either secondhand or prenatal smoke exposure. - General Tobacco Resources by Category
This appendix lists many valuable tobacco control resources, grouped by category. Resources span different clinical and consumer groups, as well as Counseling and Training, Secondhand Smoke Exposure Reduction, Policy and Advocacy, and Research. - Resources for Smoke-free Multi-unit Housing
This appendix describes the efforts taking place to ensure that multi-unit housing is smoke free. Several states have directories of smoke-free housing complexes, and list the different things the organizations are doing to enlist the cooperation of more complexes.
Issue Briefs
Completed by the AAP Division of State Government Affairs, these issue briefs keep you up-to-date on the latest policy and advocacy information in the world of tobacco control.
- Tobacco Cessation and Treatment
- Tobacco Control Funding
- Tobacco Product Control
- Tobacco-free Environments
Protecting Children & Families from Tobacco: Leadership Advocacy Training
Faculty Presentations from Leadership Advocacy Training
- Protecting Children and Families from Tobacco: Leadership Advocacy Training
Jonathan Klein, MD, MPH, FAAP, American Academy of Pediatrics, Elk Grove Village, ILDr. Klein welcomed participants to the training and provided an overview of the current tobacco environment in the United States and globally.
- Successful Physician Advocacy
J. Gary Wheeler, MD, MPS, FAAP, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Little Rock, ARDr. Wheeler presented physician advocacy at the practice, community, and state levels.
- Tobacco Advocacy and Policy Issues
Jonathan Klein, MD, MPH, FAAP, American Academy of Pediatrics, Elk Grove Village, ILDr. Klein spoke about trends associated with tobacco prevention, use, and cessation. He also defined tobacco advocacy and related policy issues.
- Developing Your Advocacy Plan: What Does It Take to Be an Effective Tobacco Control Advocate?
Judith Dolins, MPH, American Academy of Pediatrics, Elk Grove Village, ILMs. Dolins presented on why physicians are natural advocates for policy change and introduced the concept of forming an advocacy plan.
- Old Issues, New Products
Susanne Tanski, MD, MPH, FAAP, Dartmouth Medical School, Lebanon, NHDr. Tanski presented on new and emerging tobacco products and the need for policy change to control these new products.
- Working with Community Coalitions
J. Gary Wheeler, MD, MPS, FAAP, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Little Rock, ARDr. Wheeler described how physicians can collaborate with community coalitions to influence tobacco prevention and control policy.
- A Smoke-free Multi-unit Housing Anecdote
Thirdhand smoke video clip
Jonathan P. Winickoff MD, MPH, FAAP, Harvard Medical School, Boston MADr. Winickoff presented on how clinical practice can be integrated with the tobacco control social movement. His presentation focused on the role of physicians in promoting smoke-free multi-unit housing policies.
- Affordable Care Act: Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act
Janet Williams, MA, American Medical Association, Chicago, ILMs. Williams presented on the tobacco prevention and control provisions of the Affordable Care Act and how the Tobacco Control Act can support local advocacy efforts.
- Determining Exposure to Secondhand Smoke
Richard Hurt, MD, Nicotine Dependence Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MNDr. Hurt presented on how secondhand smoke and harm reduction messages can be integrated into cessation counseling.
The AAP collaborated with American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), American College of Physicians (ACP), and the American Medical Association (AMA) to host an educational training for physician members interested in becoming leaders in tobacco control advocacy in their states and communities for policies that support tobacco control, protect nonsmokers, and provide better access to tobacco cessation services. The training took place on September 23-24, 2011 in Chicago, IL. A total of 51 participants attended representing all five membership organizations.
Weren't able to make it to this training? Read about the training and the effects on attendees.
Want to attend the 2013 training? The call for applications is now open!
