Why do teens start smoking?

Smoking is a dangerous habit that can have a significant impact on a person’s health. Unfortunately, smoking is not only an issue that affects adults – teenagers are increasingly picking up the habit as well. This article will explore why teens start smoking and what can be done to address this growing problem.

Smoking Among Teens

Smoking among teens is an increasingly concerning issue. According to the World Health Organisation, 3 in 10 teens between the ages of 13 and 15 years old are current smokers. This is a remarkable increase in smoking among this age group since the early 2000s. Not only that, but teens are increasingly experimenting with different types of smoking, such as e-cigarettes, cigars, and hookah.

Reasons Behind Teen Smoking

There are numerous reasons why teens might start smoking. Peer pressure is a major factor, as teens may feel pressured to imitate the behaviour of their peers who smoke. Advertising and media also play a role, as teens are exposed to images of smoking in the media and may feel inclined to mimic the behaviour of the people they see in these images. Another factor is stress and anxiety, as smoking is sometimes seen as a coping mechanism that teens use to alleviate their feelings of anxiety or stress. Finally, access to cigarettes is a major factor, as teens may be able to obtain cigarettes from older individuals or purchase them illegally.

What Can Be Done

There are many steps that can be taken to address the issue of teen smoking. Education is a key factor, as teens need to be made aware of the risks associated with smoking and how it can negatively impact their health. Limiting access to cigarettes is also important, as teens should not have easy access to cigarettes. Finally, providing support to teens and teaching them alternative methods of dealing with stress and anxiety can help prevent them from turning to smoking as a way to cope.

Smoking is a dangerous habit that has serious implications for one’s health. It is concerning that so many teens are picking up the habit, but thankfully there are steps that can be taken to address this problem. Education, limiting access to cigarettes, and providing support to teens are all important measures that can help reduce the prevalence of teen smoking.