As a parent or other adult, you may wonder about the underlying reasons that cause teenagers to start smoking. The fact is that teens share many reasons for smoking with adults, according to Alberta Health Services. In some cases, a teen takes up smoking for a variety of reasons.
Types
Teenagers start smoking for a number of reasons, including peer pressure, according to Alberta Health Services. Other reasons teens take up smoking include boredom, combating weight gain and as a response to the stress of school and family life. Of these reasons, peer pressure is deemed to be the most significant reason teenagers start smoking.
Gender Differences
Some gender differences exist in regard to the reasons teenagers start smoking. The most significant gender difference is that girls seem more prone to take up smoking because their friends do so, according to Teen Drug Abuse. In addition, more teenage girls than boys smoke cigarettes.
Time Frame
Teenagers start smoking at ages younger than many people imagine, according to TeensHealth. Younger teenagers--children 13 or 14 years old--take up smoking largely because of peer pressure and to fit in with their contemporaries. Teens who start smoking at this age typically remain dedicated smokers as they grow older.
Significance
Some studies suggest that cigarette smoking is a gateway to the use of other substances by teenagers, particularly alcohol. Conversely, there is evidence to support the contention that teens who use alcohol or other mind-altering substances are likely to start smoking cigarettes, as well.
Warning
Evidence suggests that cigarette companies specifically target children in their advertising, according to Alberta Health Services. Adults need to be vigilant in monitoring the information children receive, including through advertising. For example, although cigarettes cannot legally be advertised through television commercials in the United States, tobacco companies can provide sponsorships of events that children may follow and which are broadcast on television, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
