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Teenage SmokingTeenage smoking has become a big problem in the United States as well as the rest of the world. Almost half the percent of teenagers who smoke never admit they have a problem. Once these teenagers start to smoke they become addicted physically and psychologically and that's the part that makes it tough for them to quit. Teenage smoking is being promoted to kids through magazines, and television shows. Even though cigarette advertisements have been banned from television, it's not enough. We have to find a way to ban all these things because it's putting kids' lives in danger.
According to Facts About Teenage Smoking prepared by Susan E. Mason, teenage smoking has risen over the last 20 years. About 19% of males are regular smokers and 27% of females are regular smokers. Females who smoke at least a pack a day, increased from 10-39% between 1969 and 1975, yet the male percentage has stayed at about 31%. Recently, female teenagers have become more avid smokers than males. There are many reasons why teenagers smoke. One of the most common reasons is peer pressure. Kids have a hard time resisting doing what their friends want. Teenagers who smoke are more likely to have lower self images. They start smoking because they think it will give them a better image like being cooler, more attractive, or more popular. Because of their low self image, they don't have the confidence to "say no" when a cigarette is offered to them. Teenagers who are smoking become addicted because of the nicotine and that makes it harder for them to quit. Cigarette advertisements are designed to make people think that smoking is cool and that everyone does it. These misleading ads appear to increase kids' smoking. The companies also say that they are not persuading their customers to smoke, their customers are deciding for themselves. There are many people who smoke who would love to be able to quit, but cannot. Once the nicotine enters your blood, your body needs the nicotine. This makes it very difficult to quit. Here are some methods of quitting. Pick the day that you will stop smoking and stick to it! Drink lots of liquids- fruit juices, water or herbal tea. One more, when you get the urge to smoke, reach for some gum or mints instead. These might not always work, but there is no sense in not trying.
There is a high percentage of teenage smokers although 90% say they want to try to quit. Approximately 19% of teenage males are regular smokers. Females consuming at least a pack a day increased from 10% to 39% between 1969 and 1975. Heavy male smokers, in this age range, remained at about 31%. When gender is looked at, females are becoming more avid cigarette smokers than males. Scare tactics, peer group discissions, media demonstrations, bio-feedback programs have been tried. As for now, no conclusive evidence exists about the best ways to prevent teenagers from starting smoking. At present, we know that teen-agers, especially females, are continuing to smoke at higher rates, causing injury to their health. We do not know how to effectively prevent or stop them. The best way is not to start and if you have started- QUIT! In conclusion, people all over are trying to stop teenagers from smoking, as well as everyone else. It is taking some time, but as you can see, teenagers all over are learning the right thing to do.
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