Reasons Teenagers Begin Smoking

With all of the research and studies that have been conducted, it is impossible to deny the negative effects that smoking can have on the human body. One particular demographic that is at a higher risk are young adults in their teenage years. Teenagers are still growing, so it makes sense that smoking can have catastrophic effects during these fragile and important years.

The Facts

• Teenagers are subjected to a huge amount of peer pressure in this period of life. There is an undying need to "fit in" and go with the mainstream. According to the American Lung Association, approximately 3,600 teenagers begin smoking each day. This habit most always leads to other health issues, as well as drug and alcohol use. Currently, about 4.5 million teenagers are habitual smokers, and approximately 90 percent of adult habitual smokers began this habit by the age of 18.

Peer Pressure

• Adolescence is a difficult period of life, and most teens are self conscious and worried about being popular, having friends, boyfriends or girlfriends. This is one of the main reasons why teenagers begin smoking. In addiction, according to "The Teenager's Guide to the Real World," images and messages of the mainstream media make teenagers believe that smoking is cool and sexy. Fashion models, rock stars and actors are photographed with cigarettes resting on their lips constantly. These images affect teenagers on a very basic level, and in most cases, affect them more than they know.

Rebellion

• Teenagers are known to always be pushing the envelope and learning their limits in life. There is no question that as children turn into adolescents, differences may arise between these teens and any sort of authority figure. According to "The Teenager's Guide to the Real World," teens often begin smoking to rebel against these authority figures, and declare themselves as "grownups". There is also the allure of smoking because it is frowned upon and prohibited. The excitement of engaging in risky behaviors may also follow us into our adult years.

Teen Smoking Epidemic

• There are so many aspects of our culture that seem to promote smoking. In the past, tobacco companies have marketed their product directly at teenagers, including using alluring characters, and even adding sweet substances in cigarettes. According to the American Lung Association, at the rate at which teenagers are beginning to smoke, 6.4 million of these teens will eventually die prematurely from an illness or condition related to smoking. Although this epidemic seems to continue on, it is important to ask yourself what can be done to stop it.

The Future

• Your teen is still developing, and a healthy lifestyle is important. Make sure that he knows that smoking is risky behavior, and can lead to addictions, disease and even death. Most teenagers seem to think that they are invincible. The effects of smoking are a strong reality, and the more you reinforce this information, the more likely it is that your teen will grow into a happy healthy adult.