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What Are the Signs of a Teenager Smoking?

Smoking is an unhealthy habit that more than 80 percent of smokers pick up as teenagers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There are many reasons for teenagers picking up smoking, including the influence of advertising and media and peer pressure. There a few signs to pick up on if you suspect a teenager has been smoking.

  1. Smelly Clothes

    • The smell of smoke can often get attached to clothing so check teenager's clothes for the smell. You may also find that teenagers will use deodorant, perfume or aftershave in an attempt to mask the smell. Unfortunately for them, these products don't get rid of the smell of smoke but simply cover them up. In most cases you'll be able to smell the vague smell of smoke through the fragrance.

    Being Evasive

    • If your teenager suddenly begin to start avoiding you when he comes home, it may be because he doesn't want you to smell smoke on him. Similarly if he begins to change clothes when he gets home or showers or brushes his teeth excessively then it may be an attempt to hide his smoking.

    Smoking Paraphernalia

    • Half of the trouble with being able to tell if teenagers are smoking is knowing and identifying which items are being used. If you notice your teen having lighters or matches in her room it might be because she uses them for smoking. Other smoking accessories will include tobacco tins, pipes, rolling papers, filters and even little bits of card which are used for making filters or roaches. You may also notice cigarette box-shaped bulges in your teenager's pants or coat pockets.

    Doing Housework

    • If your teenager suddenly begins to volunteer to do housework, specifically his own laundry, then it could be a tell-tale sign that they are trying to avoid you from coming into contact with their smoky clothes.

    Smoking Stains

    • Even moderate smokers can get yellow or brown stains on their fingers -- most commonly on the index and middle fingers. Likewise smoker's teeth can also become stained producing an off-white or yellow tinge to previously white teeth. These stains could indicate your teenager is smoking cigarettes.

    Health Signs

    • Smoking can affect a teenager's health and this can be apparent in a number of ways. If your teenager has developed a cough, especially first thing in the morning, it may be related to smoking. Also, if your teenager is out of breath while doing previously manageable exercise it could be due to the effects of smoking on the lungs.

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