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Why Do Teens Start to Smoke?

By Denise Witmer, About.com

Question: Why Do Teens Start to Smoke?
Answer: Considering what a bad smelling and awful looking habit smoking is you have to wonder why teens would want to start. But they do. According to the World Health Organization ‘between 80,000 and 100,000 children worldwide start smoking every day.’ Here are some of the reasons why teens start smoking:
  • One or both parents smoke.
  • People they admire smoke.
  • Teens find acceptance by peers if they smoke too.
  • Mass media campaign for smoking works on teenagers and adults.
  • Teens feel invincible or that they can stop at anytime. So why not try it?
  • It helps the teen lose weight, reduce stress, etc.
  • Smoking’s biggest draw is that it is an adult activity that is forbidden.

Take this article one step further:

  • Find out how this advice prevents teen smoking.

    Parenting Poll: Have you talked to your teen about smoking?

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