Peer pressure, low self-esteem and smoking by parents and relatives are some of the factors that encourage teenagers to engage in smoking. Smoking can even start at pre-teens and has been seen as a way of being accepted and considered ‘cool’.
Statistics show that there was a decline in the number of teenagers who smoke — implying that smoking may not be so cool anymore, if it ever was to begin with. This may be due to the intensive campaign regarding the health effects of nicotine. The most common consequences range from bad breath and low stamina to chronic diseases like lung and oral cancer. Other than cancer, smoking may cause cardiovascular, respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases like peptic ulcer. Osteoporosis is common to smokers than to non-smoking individuals.
Scientists who studied addiction to smoking learned that nicotine glued itself to a protein found on the surface of a brain nerve cell. Other chemicals found in cigarettes and tobaccos are known carcinogens like benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, tar and hydrogen cyanide which are known to be harmful to human health.
Smoking addiction can be prevented through proper education on the health risks of smoking. Parents need to teach teens how to say ‘no’ and also be a role model to children by not smoking. Parents also need to make sure their teenage kids do not have easy access to cigarettes.
It may be more difficult to deal with a teenager who has already started smoking. The best way to handle the situation is to help them quit the habit by introducing them to other worthwhile activities. Giving rewards may also be an excellent way of showing that their achievement is appreciated.
Tags: pre-teen smoking, teen tobacco abuse, teenage smoking
