Sad Facts On Teenage Smoking

Decades ago, kids began to smoke at the age of 12. In recent years, we learn of smokers as young as 9 years old; and these kids cannot seem to stop until such time that they have buried themselves deep into smoking addiction, and health problems begin to arise. Here are 5 reasons for teenage smoking:

1. Kids echo what they see around them. If a child sees adults smoke, they begin to think that smoking is okay.

2. Parents are role models. If a parent smokes, the likelihood of the child to become a smoker is great.

3. In movies, cool villains smoke; the bullies in school smoke; anybody who is somebody smokes - so why should I not? Those influence kids. Teenagers want to be special or want to project an image of being dangerous. The simplest way they can express these feelings is by smoking.

4. Teenage smoking promotes a sense of belongingness. If teens want to become part of a group or be accepted in a particular teenage culture, smoking is necessary. Every teenager wants to belong; to have a group they can call their own. If one is in a group, one has friends. He can take pleasure in conversations and companionship, as well as enjoy other exciting social contacts.

5. Peer pressure. Teens like to try new things and experiment. Trying new things, particularly something forbidden, make the temptation all the more difficult to resist. Also, smoking with friends makes school more interesting.

Sadly, teenage smoking is still increasing up to this day despite the efforts and testimonies of smokers who just quit or are suffering from the extensive effects of smoking.