Teenagers begin smoking for numerous reasons, such as exposure to other smokers, peer pressure and to rebel or demonstrate independence. Another significant factor, according to the American Lung Association, is the lure of tobacco-industry advertisements that deliberately target youth and falsely make smoking seem cool, glamorous and safe. Although the American Cancer Society reports that the number of teenager smokers has decreased since the end of the 1990s, teenagers continue to smoke at a higher rate than adults as of 2010.
Extent of Problem
The American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 3,500 people under the age of 18 smoke a cigarette for the first time on any given day, and everyday about 1,100 young people begin smoking cigarettes on a daily basis. About half of high school students in the United States had smoked cigarettes at least once as of 2008, and more than 25 percent of children under 12 smoked. Overall, about 71 million teenagers smoke, and many were or will be addicted to smoking by age 14, states the American Lung Association.
Health Risks
Teenagers and children that smoke damage their health and set themselves up for a host of very serious medical conditions. Problems related to cigarette smoking include coughing, frequent headaches, increased mucus production, nicotine addiction, poorly functioning lungs, respiratory disease and shortness of breath. Young smokers are also at higher risk of having poorer health in general, which may lead to such issues as decreased physical fitness and experiencing worse symptoms when they have a cold or the flu, according to the American Cancer Society.
Ultimate Consequences
Roughly 90 percent of adult smokers start smoking before age 20, states the American Cancer Society. Young smokers that fail to kick the habit are at higher risk of eventually developing the more harmful---and potentially fatal---health conditions associated with tobacco use. For example, teenagers that continue smoking into adulthood are more likely to develop gum disease, hearing loss, heart disease, lung disease, stroke and vision problems. Smoking is also related to higher rates of other types of dangerous youth behavior, such as alcohol and drug abuse, fighting and suicide attempts.
Parent Options
To help their teenage and younger children avoid the numerous disadvantages of smoking, parents should try to make sure they never begin smoking in the first place. Doing so requires understanding what motivates young people to smoke, and then helping your child learn how to avoid tobacco products. MayoClinic.com suggests making it clear to your child that you disapprove of smoking, serving as an example by not smoking yourself, participating in local antismoking groups and campaigns and continually emphasizing the negative aspects of tobacco use, such as the strong smell and the yellowing effect on teeth.
Considerations
Various states have adopted smoking bans that prohibit smoking in certain places, such as restaurants. Despite the worthwhile health-conscious goals of such rules, the American Cancer Society cautions they can have an unexpected negative impact on teenagers. Instead of forcing some teens to stop smoking cigarettes, the bans instead motivate young smokers to try different types of tobacco products, such as smokeless tobacco. However, smokeless tobacco products have serious potential health consequences too, including loss of bone in the jaw, tooth decay and tooth loss.
