Smoking among youth still considered a problem

Although youth smoking rates have declined since the 1990’s and early 2000’s, it is still seen as a significant problem.

Smoking and smokeless tobacco use are initiated and established primarily during adolescence. More than 80 percent of adult smokers began smoking before 18 years of age. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported that each day in the US, approximately 3,800 young people under 18 years of age smoke their first cigarette, and an estimated 1,000 youth in that age group become daily cigarette smokers. Tobacco use can lead to nicotine dependence and serious health problems.Nicotine dependence is the most common form of chemical dependence in the US, and research suggests that it may be as addictive as heroin, cocaine, and alcohol.

The CDC lists factors that are associated with youth tobacco use and include the following:

*Youth perceive that that tobacco use is the norm.

*Youth are exposed to smoking and tobacco use in the media.

*Youth are exposed to the use and approval of tobacco use by peers, siblings, and by parents or guardians.

It was reported that teenagers who don’t smoke say one of the main reasons is their parents. Kids know and respect their parents’ expectations, and a parents’ influence is real. Parents are in the best place to help guide your child as he or she struggles with peer pressure to begin smoking. Parents can decrease a child’s likelihood of smoking if they let them know clearly and repeatedly that they don’t approve. Without lecturing, parents can remind children of the negative effects of smoking, such as the expense, how it causes wrinkles, bad breath and diseases such as cancer.

Studies have shown that children whose parents smoke cigarettes are at much greater risk of smoking themselves. Parents can share their stories about why you started to smoke and also talk about the addiction cigarettes can have and the effect smoking has had on your health. Parents can also talk on how difficult it can be to quit and inform their children if their planning to quit as well.

Cessation can significantly reduce the risk of suffering from smoking-related diseases. Smoking cessation lowers the risk for lung and other types of cancer, reduces the risk of coronary heart disease and peripheral vascular disease, and reduces respiratory symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.