Teenagers are extremely well informed about negative effects of smoking. However the percentage of teenage smoking is continuing to rise despite enormous exhaustion of time, money and energy spent on smoking-education programmes. Parents, teachers and health professionals have tried their best to educate teens about harmful effects of smoking but their effort have not yielded any fruits because tobacco companies have vigorously advertised through media, billboard etc.

Eight out of ten regular smokers started smoking when they were a teenager, and only about two third of the teen smokers would like to quit smoking. The average teen smokers begin smoking when they are 14 years old, though there are some who start off when they are barely 10.

Smoking affects their lungs

If the statistics of smokers are to be believed, then about 30% of the youth who begin smoking will eventually die prematurely due to smoking related illness. Smoking in adolescence increases the risk of developing cardiac arrests. Teenage smokers have higher chance of developing stroke than non smokers. It may cause respiratory diseases and shortness of breath. Teenagers who do smoke have smaller lungs than their peers therefore tend to be less physically fit than their peer. Also it can lead to oral cancer and nicotine addiction.

Adolescent smoking has social issues

Adolescent smoking is a big problem in our society. In the last few decades, the number children being seduced by this addiction has almost doubled, leaving parents and teachers clueless about how to deal with this issue. When the youth tend to smoke, they become hooked and end up being addicted. Smoking in teenagers is a public health issue that every individual in public and private office must address. Everyone knows the risks and effects of smoking on our health. Teens are tired of being lectured about smoking. If they want to smoke, they will do so because there are easier ways to get cigarettes. Children who have parents who smoke have cigarettes at home, giving them easy access. Cigarette companies make cigarette look too appealing and ‘cool’ therefore target the teenagers who have not been addicted.

Smoking in Groups

A lot of smokers give each other rewards in social aspect like conversations companionship and other common social contact. Research have shown that nicotine has the ability to suppress feelings, appetite for food, stimulation after love making and is a good way to get temporary relief from troubles and feelings of insecurities.

People who read above article also read the following...