Smoking Teens

Although smoking is harmful and dangerous, many young people take it up. There are many social and psychological reasons why young people start smoking.

First, smoking parents and family problems cause young people to smoke. These problems include, among others, divorce and violence at home. Children also take smoking parents as a model. As the proverb says “like father, like son”.

Second, the stress of other social problems like poverty and unemployment may lead young people to smoke. They think that smoking relaxes them and eases their anxiety.

Third, there is illiteracy and ignorance which play a major role in getting people to smoke. Many young people do not know the risks of nicotine and take up smoking.

Fourth, advertising and smoking stars play a key role in encouraging young people to smoke. Young people smoke because of commercials influence and favorite actors.

Fifth, young people may smoke because they have friends who smoke. As the proverb says, “Birds of a feather flock together”.

Last, there are psychological reasons why young people smoke. They may smoke to show off, to look grown-up, or cool or rich. They may also smoke because they feel bored and need to keep their hands and mouths busy.

In short, smoking is costly to both health and pocket. So, parents, educators and health officials should all work together to help young people avoid and quit smoking.

By Z. A.