Teenage, a time when you begins to explore your identity as a person, is a phase of turmoil and stress. It is also a period of experimentation. Teenage smoking has become a persistent social problem today. It is reported that nearly three quarters of habitual smokers began smoking when they were teenagers. Most of the teenagers, who begin smoking just to experience the thrill of it, become habitual smokers before they even realize it.

Teenage: A definite phase in growth

Scientific researches have affirmed that limbic system, which is the centre of emotions, is highly developed during the period of adolescence. But this is also a time when people are unable to control their emotions and feelings. Impulsive behaviors and nervous breakdowns are very common during teenage and teenagers begin smoking in order to express their rebellion, and to vent their frustration and anger.

How do teenagers get in to smoking

Some of the teenagers begin smoking by emulating their parents or seniors at school. Others start to do it because of peer pressure. It is hard for a teenager to stay away from cigarettes when all his/her friends smoke. Tough kids and school bullies are at the top on the teenage smokers’ list. Underperforming students and socially isolated teenagers become smokers as smoking helps them gain some sort of self-esteem. Such teenagers feel that they become feared and accepted if they start smoking.

The adverse effects of nicotine

Nicotine is highly addictive and extremely harmful. It alters your physical system so much that a certain level of nicotine in the body becomes imperative to maintain your psychological and emotional balance. Smokers are easily vulnerable to respiratory problems, cancer, and even reproductive troubles.

How to prevent teenage smoking

Parental support is vital to preventing teenage smoking. Parents should emotionally support their teenagers and make them feel loved and accepted. If you are unable to find time to be with your teenage children, there are chances that your children may end up becoming habitual smokers. It is also important to convey the adverse effects of smoking to the teenagers. Sometimes teenagers begin smoking just because going against the wishes of their parents itself is addictive. So make sure you do not reprimand them rudely.

Government too is doing what it can to prevent teenage smoking. It has made cigarettes expensive. This step has significantly decreased the number of teenage smokers. There are also various organizations that work tirelessly to prevent teenage smoking. These organizations frequently organize talks and camps for teenagers and parents to make them aware of the perils of smoking.

It is also heartening to see many teenagers being part of different anti-smoking campaigns. Today there are many youngsters who think that smoking is not ‘cool’ anymore. This sure is a positive sign as it can drastically reduce the influence of peer pressure. There are also teenagers who try to help their friends to give up this dangerous habit.