This is one of the most contentious subjects within the vast' Why we smoke' category. The most vulnerable of society are usually our youth. They are targeted from all angles by the media, advertising campaigns, popular culture and not to forget their peers.
They stand no chance at all. In fact the only saving grace they have from cigarette smoking is education. The Dangers Of Smoking must be taught from an early age. Utmost importance must be placed on this age old hazard. Our schools need to take a stronger stance in making sure addiction awareness and the benefits of a good health are followed through.
Top 5 Reasons Why Young People Smoke
- Peer Pressure - Children and teenagers react to their Peers. If something becomes a trend within a group, pressure mounts to conform. This is possibly the main reason for young people to take up cigarette smoking. At this stage of a new smokers addiction it is quite possible to stop smoking without much difficulty. This is where a teen maybe lured into a false sense of security. They may feel that they are not addicted and could quit smoking at any stage. They don't understand how quickly the nicotine addiction takes hold.
- Weight Control - this seems to be a growing trend among teenage girls. Due to pressures that society can cruelly lay upon our youth, weight and how we look are consuming our lives. Smoking can raise your metabolism for all the wrong reasons. Weight Control through Smoking has now become one of those misconceptions that has polluted the way some young people think.
- The Tobacco Industry - Not so much a problem these days as it was prior to 2000. It still is an issue with certain brands and their so called sexy packaging. Most sporting bodies have now discontinued their association with the Tobacco Industry, but we still see certain brands sponsoring certain high profile events worldwide, which fuels the problem no doubt.
- Role Models - Like peer pressure the youth of today follow their music and movie idols with great energy. When they see one of their Idols Smoking or Drinking or whatever their vice may be, they see this as the norm. It becomes a trend, en vogue. They copy, just like we did as kids.
- Confidence - This reason is just an illusion. Smoking may give a kid or teenager a false sense of confidence. It makes them feel part of something. It can also give them a sense of rebellion against their parents or teachers. These false confidence builders are rife throughout our fickle celebrity loving societies. Its a disease manifesting itself as Vogue and Sheek! Education again could play a vital role in addiction prevention in this instance. If more celebrities threw their weight behind smoking cessation campaigns it would certainly send a positive message to their young fans.
These issues must be tackled at their very basic levels. Our youngest children must be directed and shown the dangers of smoking, the effects it can have on ones life. Its not ok to smoke, it doesn't look cool and it definetly will cause health complications further dwn the line if not addressed early.
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