SmokefreeTXT

About

SmokefreeTXT is a mobile text messaging service designed for adults and young adults across the United States who are trying to quit smoking. The program was created to provide 24/7 encouragement, advice, and tips to help smokers quit smoking and stay quit. It is a 6 to 8 week program, depending on when you set your quit date. Users will receive 1 to 5 messages per day and can receive additional quit support by texting one of SmokefreeTXT’s keywords.

There are 2 ways to sign up:

1. By phone: Text the word QUIT to 47848 from your mobile phone, answer a few questions, and you’ll start receiving messages.
2. Online: Click the sign up tab at the top of this screen or copy/paste this URL in your browser http://teen.smokefree.gov/smokefreeTXT.aspx. You’ll then fill in some questions on our web form and begin receiving messages.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Cost: There is no additional fee for this service. However, message and data rates may apply. If you pay for individual texts, this program may not be right for you. Check with your mobile provider.
• Unsubscribe: If you would like to unsubscribe from SmokefreeTXT, text the word STOP to 47848 to end the program. For help, text the word HELP to 47848.
• Technical support: Technical support is available to help you sign up and use SmokefreeTXT. If you need help or have any questions, please contact us on Facebook or at NCISmokefreeTeam@mail.nih.gov.

For more information on the SmokefreeTXT program, please read the Frequently Asked Questions section.

We would like to acknowledge Louisville Metro Public Health & Wellness for sharing their ButtOut Text Messaging Tobacco Cessation Campaign text library to guide the development of the original SmokefreeTXT message library.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible?
This program is designed for teens who are quitting smoking, but anyone at least 13 years old with an unlimited texting plan on their mobile phone can sign up. If you don’t have unlimited texts, you can still sign up, but please contact your mobile phone company for text message rates.

What do the messages say?
Here are some sample messages:

“SmokefreeTXT: Wow, 2 weeks smokefree! Think about how much time, energy, health, & money you have saved. You deserve to treat yourself - make today awesome.”

“SmokefreeTXT: What makes you wanna smoke? Stress? Boredom? Parties? Write down your top 3 smoking triggers. Knowing them is the only way to avoid them!”

“SmokefreeTXT: Your dog, cat, bird, or iguana can get sick & die from 2nd hand smoke. It sinks into fur, feathers, eyes, & skin. Think again before lighting up.”

How long does the program last?
You can sign up for SmokefreeTXT up to 14 days before the quit date you choose. The text program will start two weeks before your quit date and last for six weeks following your quit date. We will also follow up at one, three, and six months after the program ends to see how you are doing.

How do I sign up?
Visit http://teen.smokefree.gov/smokefreeTXT.aspx to sign up. Or sign up from your mobile phone! Send a text message with the word QUIT to 47848, answer a few questions, and you’ll start receiving text messages from SmokefreeTXT.

What kind of information will I have to provide to sign up?
SmokefreeTXT collects your mobile phone number, specified quit date, age, gender, smoking frequency, and whether your mobile phone has Internet capabilities. This information is used to enroll you into the messaging service and to personalize your experience. No information is used for any commercial purposes.

Do I need my parent’s permission?
No, as long as you are at least 13 years old, you just need a mobile phone capable of sending and receiving text messages. If you pay for individual texts, this program may not be for you.

Is there a cost to sign up?
There is no additional fee for this service. However, message and data rates may apply. If you pay for individual texts, this program may not be right for you. If you aren’t sure if you pay for individual texts, check with your mobile carrier before signing up, just to be safe.

If I don’t have an unlimited text messaging plan can I still participate?
You bet! You can still sign up for the program, but message and data rates may apply. But you do not need to sign up for the full SmokefreeTXT program to use the keyword messages. At any time, you can text the word WANT, BOOST, or UHOH to 47848 to receive supportive messages from SmokefreeTXT. You can find more information under the Keywords tab at the top of the page.

What if I want to start over and pick a new quit date?
No problem. We will automatically ask you a status question every week that will give you the option to keep going or start over. If you want to pick a new quit date or start from the beginning of the program, simply opt out, and then sign up again at http://teen.smokefree.gov/smokefreeTXT.aspx . You can also opt out at any time by texting STOP to 47848. Even if you choose to opt out, you can always sign back up by visiting http://teen.smokefree.gov/smokefreeTXT.aspx —even on the same day!

What if I change my mobile number?
If you change your mobile number between the time you sign up for our program and six weeks after your quit date (the end of the program), you will need to sign up again on our website. We apologize for this inconvenience!

Will you ever identify me by my mobile phone number?
SmokefreeTXT will only use your mobile number for the purpose of the SmokefreeTXT program—to send and receive the text messages you’ve signed up for or to assist you with any technical support that you request. We will not be able to link your mobile number to personally identifiable information like your name, physical address or email address.

Will SmokefreeTXT ever call me?
SmokefreeTXT will never call you. Your mobile number is used solely for the purpose of the text messaging program. Any information you provide will be kept confidential. No one else can or will contact you or try to sell you anything. Your mobile number will not be shared with any third party.

Can I “opt out” if I don’t like SmokefreeTXT?
Sure, just reply to one of our messages with STOP. Or, you can send STOP at anytime to 47848 and the messages will end.

I’ve “opted out” by texting STOP but I’m still receiving messages. How I do stop receiving text messages?
Oh no, we’re so sorry! Make sure you text only the word STOP to 47848. Some common problems include the following:

• Including a space after the word STOP
• Including a punctuation mark (i.e., period, comma, exclamation point, etc.) after the word STOP
• Having an automatic signature line in your text messages (i.e., your name, a quote, an emoticon).
• Having (Re:) precede each of your text messages

If none of these issues apply to you and you are still unable to opt out by texting STOP, you can manually unsubscribe via our web form. If you continue to receive text messages after submitting this form, please contact us at NCISmokefreeTeam@mail.nih.gov for technical support.

If I have more questions, can I speak to someone?
You can email us at NCISmokefreeTeam@mail.nih.gov. Or if you have questions specific to quitting smoking, you can call the NCI Quitline (1-877-44U-QUIT) and talk to a smoking cessation counselor. It’s free and anonymous.

Keywords

A key feature of the SmokefreeTXT program is the ability to get on-demand messages by texting us one of the three keywords below (WANT, BOOST, or UHOH). You can use these keywords at any time. And you don’t have to be signed up for the program to use them. If you are no longer interested in this option and do not wish to receive messages from us, simply stop sending keyword texts.

Need some extra support to get you through the day? Luckily, SmokefreeTXT isn’t a one-way street! Send us a text whenever you need an extra boost. You can use these keywords anytime. The support you need is only a text message away!
Keywords	When do I use this?
WANT	Having a bad craving & need a reminder of why you shouldn’t pick up that cig? Text WANT to 47848
BOOST	Having a rough day & need a positive message sent your way? We could all use a little boost sometimes. Text BOOST to 47848
UHOH	Slip up? That doesn't mean you have to start from the beginning! Get the extra encouragement to keep on going. Text UHOH to 47848
STOP	Want to stop receiving messages? No matter what your reason, you can opt out of our program whenever you want. Text STOP to 47848

Policy

Your privacy is important to The National Cancer Institute (“NCI”). This Privacy Policy (“Policy”) will tell you what information NCI collects about you as well as whether and how we may share such information.

This Policy pertains only to the use of information originating from http://teen.smokefree.gov/smokefreeTXT.aspx (the “website”), and does not apply to any information that you may provide NCI by other means, such as by mail or telephone.

Do not hesitate to let us know if you have any questions vie e-mail: NCISmokefreeTeam@mail.nih.gov

1. Personal Data You Provide to NCI

   Personally Identifiable Information (“PII”) means any information that can be used, either separately or together, to identify a specific individual such as your name, email address, home address, phone number, and date of birth. The website asks you to provide Personally Identifiable Information in various places throughout the website. As further described in Section 2 below, when you visit the website and interact with various pages contained within, NCI and third parties with whom NCI has contracted to provide services to NCI may collect information on your actions, including PII.

   NCI utilizes appropriate industry standard procedures to safeguard the confidentiality of your personal information, such as firewall and Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption. However, no data transmitted over the Internet can be 100% secure. Consequently, while we make reasonable efforts to protect your personal information, we cannot guaranty the security of information that you provide to us.

   Smokefree reserves the right to share de-identified information about usage with research partners.

   Smokefree will not share users’ personally identifiable information without user consent.

2. Information Gathered By NCI and Its Third Party Service Providers

   When you visit the website and interact with various pages contained within, NCI and third parties with whom NCI has contracted to provide services to NCI may collect information on your actions. This type of information is generally collected and/or stored from two sources: 1) IP Address & Browsing Metrics and 2) Provided PII.

   • IP Address and Browsing Metrics
     Your IP address is a number assigned to your computer by your ISP (Internet Service Provider) to identify its location. NCI uses your IP address to help diagnose problems with the website and generally to administer the website. We also sometimes use IP addresses to communicate with members and subscribers and possibly even ban those members who are not complying with our Terms of Service.

     The website web servers also automatically collect non-personal information such as the domain name, average time spent on the website, which pages were viewed and for how long, information searched for, access times, and other relevant statistics.

   • Provided PII
     In addition to any PII collected or provided during a visit to the website, including during your registration for and other use of the SmokefreeTXT Service, in the event that you activate the mobile phone options (also referred to as the SmokefreeTXT Service) offered by NCI, NCI will collect and store your cellular phone number and related service provider information, thus enabling SMS text notifications to be delivered to your cellular phone. If you contact us by e-mail, we may keep a record of your contact information and correspondence, and may use your e-mail address, and any information that you provide to us, to respond to you.

3. Use of Your Information, Cookies, Access to Information & Disclosures As Required By Law

   • Use of Information
     Except as expressly set forth in this Policy, NCI will not sell, rent, or lease or otherwise share or release your PII to any third party.
     NCI may utilize the PII you provide for several purposes, such as to communicate with you and to give you a better experience when visiting the website by personalizing tools, content, services and messages.
     NCI may also use the PII you provide to customize and personalize your browsing experience, deliver customer support, to enforce NCI’s agreements and policies, and to design new services. We may also use the PII you provide to contact and/or notify you about other NCI services.

   • Cookies
     NCI utilizes "cookies" to enhance your visits to our websites. A cookie is a small amount of data that is stored on your computer's hard drive that enables NCI to personalize your online experience with the website. For example, a cookie may enable us to recognize your browser as a previous visitor, and thus save and remember any preferences that may have been set while you were previously browsing our websites.
     You have control over cookies. Most browsers can be set to notify you if a cookie is being placed on your computer, and you can refuse, accept and erase cookies as well. Doing so, however, may affect your Internet experience.

   • Access to Information
     Access to PII is restricted to individuals on a need to know basis in order to resolve problems with the service, provide customer support, and/or to address suspected violations of the Terms of Service. Each of these individuals is required to sign confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements and is instructed on how to properly secure your PII. Such individuals may be independent third-parties, but such third parties shall be held to the same standard as other individuals with access to PII.

     NCI may, on occasion, share aggregated information stripped of all personal identifiers to third parties without your consent. At no point in time will any of your individual PII be shared with any third party without your consent. In the event that NCI plans to share any PII with any third party, and in the event the third party intends to contact you, NCI will provide you an opportunity to withhold your consent of your information transfer. In such an instance NCI will make all commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that your information is not shared.

   • Disclosure
     Notwithstanding the aforementioned, NCI generally may disclose PII or other information if required to do so by law or upon a showing of compelling circumstances affecting the health or safety of any individual. NCI will make reasonable efforts to contact parties prior to disclosure of their PII to enable them to seek a protective order which may limit such disclosure, if appropriate, by such party.

4. Impact of Unauthorized Access of PII
   NCI uses commercially reasonable efforts to protect your PII from unauthorized access or disclosure. However, NCI does not ensure the security of your PII. Accordingly, NCI assumes no liability for any disclosure of data due to errors in transmission, unauthorized access or other acts of third parties, or acts or omissions beyond NCI’s reasonable control.

5. Additional Use of the Website By Children Under The Age 13 Not Authorized
   NCI’s services are not directed at or intended to be utilized by children. Accordingly, we request that if you are under thirteen (13) years of age that you do not provide us with any PII.

   In the event that you suspect or believe that a child under the age of thirteen (13) has gained access to the Services without your permission, please contact: NCISmokefreeTeam@mail.nih.gov. We have taken commercially reasonable steps to restrict use of the Services to those who are at least thirteen (13) years old when possible.

6. Applicable Law
   We control and operate the NCI website from the United States. The website is not intended to subject us to the laws or jurisdiction of any state, country or territory other than that of the United States. Individuals who choose to access the website do so at their own initiative and are responsible for complying with all local laws, rules and regulations. This Policy shall be governed by the federal laws of the United States, and the state and local laws of the District of Columbia. Jurisdiction will be exclusive to the Federal and State Courts located in the District of Columbia, and by using the Service you hereby consent to the personal and subject matter jurisdiction of such courts.

7. Changes To This Policy
   NCI reserves the right to make changes to this Policy at any time. In the event this Policy is changed, NCI will update the “Last Modified” date at the bottom of this web page. Use of the website after changes are made to the Policy will be considered as your consent to the new terms. You are encouraged to periodically review this Privacy Policy to be sure you are familiar with the most current version.

8. Contact Information
   If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or anything else about NCI, you can contact us at the following email address: NCISmokefreeTeam@mail.nih.gov.

Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of the Terms
   The National Cancer Institute’s (“NCI”) Tobacco Control Research Branch maintains a web page, http://teen.smokefree.gov, (“Website”) and mobile information service (“SmokefreeTXT Service”, collectively, the “Service”), subject to the following Terms of Service (“Terms of Service”). By using the Service in any way, you agree to comply with these Terms of Service. In the event that you object to any term or condition of these Terms of Service, any guidelines, or any subsequent modifications thereto or become dissatisfied with the Service in any way, your sole recourse is to immediately discontinue use of the Service.

2. Severability of This Agreement
   These Terms of Service constitute the entire agreement between you and NCI and govern your use of the Service. NCI’s failure to exercise or enforce any right or provision of these Terms of Service shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision. If a portion or provision within any section of these Terms of Service is found by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, the parties agree that the court should endeavor to give effect to the parties' intentions as reflected in the provision, and the other provisions of these Terms of Service remain in full force and effect. You agree that regardless of any statute or law to the contrary, any claim or cause of action arising out of or related to use of the Service or these Terms of Service must be filed within one (1) year after such claim or cause of action arose or be forever barred.

3. Information You Provide & Related Privacy Policy
   Any personally identifiable information you provide to NCI via this Website or via the Service is protected by and subject to the Privacy Policy.

4. Use of the Service
   

   • Access or Delivery to Mobile Network is not Guaranteed
     NCI is not responsible for the delivery of information and content from or to a mobile device as such delivery may fail due to circumstances or conditions beyond NCI’s control. You understand and acknowledge that network services, including but not limited to mobile network services, are outside of NCI’s control and NCI is not responsible or liable for such problems.

   • Message Transmission And Delivery By Your Network Operator
     You understand and acknowledge that your use of the Service from a terminal such as a mobile device or personal computer is subject to any agreements you have with your network service provider.

   • Text and E-mail Messages Are Not Encrypted
     Content distributed via the Service, specifically that of email and text message, are unencrypted. As such, transmissions may be unknowingly and/or unintentionally intercepted by third parties. Your use of the Website and/or the Service acknowledges this fact and releases NCI, its contractors, agents, representatives and affiliates from any such liability that may arise in the event of such unauthorized interception or access.

   • Text and E-mail Messages Stored on Your Device are Your Responsibility
     As NCI does not maintain or have access to your device, e-mail server, and does not maintain or have access to networks outside of the domain and control of NCI, by using the Service you agree that NCI bears no liability or responsibility for the security or control of content, e-mail, text message, or otherwise, once delivered.

   • Service May Be Limited By Your Operator Or Your Device
     As reliability and effectiveness of the Service may be limited by your geographic location, selected network operator or your mobile device, you agree and accept that NCI is not responsible in the event the Service or any portion of the Service does not function.

   • Mobile Network Operators May not Support All Users
     NCI is unable to guarantee the reliability and delivery of content or the Service to your mobile device, since technology such as mobile networks and internet service providers are outside of NCI’s control. Accordingly, by using the Service you acknowledge that any such disruptions shall not be the responsibility of NCI.

5. Spam is Prohibited
   You will not use the Service to transmit, either directly or indirectly, any bulk mobile messages or unsolicited commercial mobile messages. You will not use the Service in any way that violates NCI’s Web Policies. A breach of any part of the Federal Anti-Spam Laws or NCI’s Web Policies is a breach of these Terms of Service. Such violations may subject the sender and his or her agents to civil and criminal penalties.

6. Disclaimers

   • Medical Disclaimer
     You acknowledge that the Service does not constitute medical advice and intended solely for general information purposes. The Service should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. In the event of questions pertaining to medication, medical conditions or related treatment seek the consult of qualified medical professional.

   • General Disclaimer
     The Website, the Service and related content provided by NCI are provided on an “as is” basis, without warranties of any kind, either express or implied, including without limitation, implied warranties of fitness for a particular purpose, merchantability, or non-infringement. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty may last, so the foregoing limitations may not apply to you. You acknowledge that your reliance on the Website, the Service and/or content provided within the Website and/or the Service shall be at your sole risk and responsibility.

     NCI makes no representations as to the reliability, accuracy, or completeness of the Service, related content, or opinion, advice or other information contained within or distributed via the Website or the Service. NCI will make all commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that the Website, the Service and related content will remain uninterrupted as well as error and virus free. Nonetheless, by accessing the Service you acknowledge that NCI will not be subject to liability in the event of interruption, error or virus infection.

7. Intellectual Property Rights, Limited License, and Limitations on Use
   All content of the Website and the Service is and shall in the future be owned by NCI and protected by United States and international copyright law. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Use of the Website and the Service may be made solely for your personal, noncommercial use, and with such use NCI grants you a nonexclusive, nontransferable, fully revocable, limited license to access and use the Service. This limited license may be revoked by NCI at any time, for any reason, and without advance notice.

   If you download or utilize any material, you must keep all copyright and other notices intact. The right to use such material is not transferable to any other person or entity. You may not modify, copy, distribute, reverse engineer, create derivative works, transmit, display, perform, reproduce, publish, license, create derivative works from, transfer, or sell any information, or other content, software, products or services obtained from NCI, the Website or the Service. You may not use any robot, spider, other automatic device or process, or manual process to monitor or copy the Website, Service or related content without prior express written consent of NCI.

   You agree not to utilize the Website or the Service in any manner that will impact the functionality of the Website or the Service. You also further agree not to access or attempt to access the Website and/or the Service by any means other than through the interface provided by NCI for use in accessing the Website and/or the Service.

8. Consent to Electronic Communications and Transactions
   When you access and use the Service, you are communicating with us electronically. When you leave or retrieve a secure message on the Service, you are communicating with us electronically. We will communicate with you by posting notices to the Website, or by leaving a secure message for you on the Website. You agree to these methods of electronic communication and further agree to our access to protected personally identifiable information that may appear in these messages. You agree to any such transactions in which you may engage. You further acknowledge that all agreements, notices, records, disclosures and other communications we may provide to you electronically will satisfy any and all legal requirements that such communications be in writing.

   We provide such information to our subsidiaries, affiliated companies or other trusted businesses or persons for the purpose of processing personal information on our behalf. We require that these parties agree to process such information based on our instructions and in compliance with these Terms of Service and any other appropriate confidentiality and security measures.

9. Limitations of Damages
   NCI and its employees, officers, directors, contractors, agents, licensors and suppliers, shall not be held liable for any liabilities, losses, damages, claims, costs and expenses, including reasonable attorney's fees, that arise from (i) use or misuse of the Website and/or the Service, (ii) your violation of these Terms of Service or (iii) any other activity related to your use of the Website or the Service (including negligent or wrongful conduct).

   Under no circumstances shall NCI be liable to you or to any other user as a consequence of use, misuse, or reliance on the Website or the Service. Such limitation of liability shall apply to prevent recovery of direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, exemplary, and/or punitive damages. This limitation shall apply whether the damages arise from use or misuse of and reliance on the Website or the Service, from inability to use the Service, or from the interruption, suspension, or termination of the Service.

10. Applicable Law
    NCI controls and operates the Website and the Service from the United States. The Website is not intended to subject us to the laws or jurisdiction of any state, country or territory other than that of the United States. Individuals who choose to access the Website do so at their own initiative and are responsible for complying with all local laws, rules and regulations. These Terms of Service shall be governed by the federal laws of the United States and the state and local laws of the District of Columbia. Jurisdiction will be exclusive to the Federal and State Courts located in the District of Columbia, and by using the Service you hereby consent to the personal and subject matter jurisdiction of such courts.

11. Changes in Content
    NCI reserves the right to modify, terminate, suspend or discontinue any aspect of the Service, including the availability of any features at any time. NCI may also impose limits on certain features and services or restrict your access to parts or all of the Website and/or the Service without notice or liability.

12. Changes To This Policy
    NCI reserves the right to make changes to these Terms of Service at any time. In the event these Terms of Service are changed, NCI will update the “Last Modified” date at the bottom of this web page. Use of the Website after changes are made to the Terms of Service will be considered as your consent to the new terms. You are encouraged to periodically review these Terms of Service to be sure you are familiar with the most current version.

13. Contact Information
    If you have questions about these Terms of Service or anything else about NCI, you can contact us at the following email address: NCISmokefreeTeam@mail.nih.gov.