Smoking is so common that it would be totally unheard of for
anyone to not have a friend or family member who smokes. Smoking, among
the addictions in our society, has become almost acceptable and regarded
as a fashion statement. This is despite the health warnings we see all
day long.
The question "why do people smoke?" is on everyone's mind. People have never been more curious on the inner workings of a person's brain and personality with regards to acquiring and keeping this bad habit. Researchers have responded with more in-depth studies and discoveries on smoking and its triggers and effects.
The onset of smoking is usually in one's early or mid-teenage years. There are several reasons why young people start smoking. One of the more common reasons is peer pressure. Facing pressure from friends or classmates who want them to try smoking as well. Young people give in spite of having doubts or strong feelings against smoking. If they pick up the habit they will then be accepted by their peers. Children with low self-esteem, in particular, start to smoke in order to blend in with the popular kids or to make friends with them.
Some teenagers, who are often idol crazy, look up to their favorite celebrities without exercising enough judgment on what or what not to imitate. They may start smoking just because their idol does. Doing that makes them feel as popular and glamorous as their favorite stars. This, plus the way tobacco companies glamorize smoking, influences young people's perception of smoking.
Another reasons are the environment in which young children grow up. They may have parents, siblings, or relatives who smoke, and they consciously or unconsciously pick up the habit. Some children smoke to appear older and more grown up, just like the adults around them.
Also, a number of children pick up the cigarette out of curiosity. As with many things forbidden, smoking is seen as something thrilling and exciting. Some children want to see for themselves what the whole thing is all about. Unfortunately, some of them develop an addiction and carry on smoking into their adult years.
On a more negative note, some children start smoking out of rebellion. They may be having major conflicts with parents or authority figures, and smoking may be their way of asserting control.
Regardless of the reasons why young people start smoking, the risk of developing an addiction is ever present. While it's true that some of them shrug off smoking at some point in their lives, many get hooked and are unable to break the habit in spite of repeated attempts. Smoking may have already cost them their academic performance, relationships, finances, and health. It is crucial for parents and teachers, therefore, to guide their children away from smoking in a manner that inspires obedience, not rebellion.
While it's true that children and teenagers are always curious and willing to try everything even if there are clear warnings, many get into the habit because of poor guidance by parents or those around them. Adults should do everything they can to guide young people into developing healthier habits - and avoid smoking all together.
The question "why do people smoke?" is on everyone's mind. People have never been more curious on the inner workings of a person's brain and personality with regards to acquiring and keeping this bad habit. Researchers have responded with more in-depth studies and discoveries on smoking and its triggers and effects.
The onset of smoking is usually in one's early or mid-teenage years. There are several reasons why young people start smoking. One of the more common reasons is peer pressure. Facing pressure from friends or classmates who want them to try smoking as well. Young people give in spite of having doubts or strong feelings against smoking. If they pick up the habit they will then be accepted by their peers. Children with low self-esteem, in particular, start to smoke in order to blend in with the popular kids or to make friends with them.
Some teenagers, who are often idol crazy, look up to their favorite celebrities without exercising enough judgment on what or what not to imitate. They may start smoking just because their idol does. Doing that makes them feel as popular and glamorous as their favorite stars. This, plus the way tobacco companies glamorize smoking, influences young people's perception of smoking.
Another reasons are the environment in which young children grow up. They may have parents, siblings, or relatives who smoke, and they consciously or unconsciously pick up the habit. Some children smoke to appear older and more grown up, just like the adults around them.
Also, a number of children pick up the cigarette out of curiosity. As with many things forbidden, smoking is seen as something thrilling and exciting. Some children want to see for themselves what the whole thing is all about. Unfortunately, some of them develop an addiction and carry on smoking into their adult years.
On a more negative note, some children start smoking out of rebellion. They may be having major conflicts with parents or authority figures, and smoking may be their way of asserting control.
Regardless of the reasons why young people start smoking, the risk of developing an addiction is ever present. While it's true that some of them shrug off smoking at some point in their lives, many get hooked and are unable to break the habit in spite of repeated attempts. Smoking may have already cost them their academic performance, relationships, finances, and health. It is crucial for parents and teachers, therefore, to guide their children away from smoking in a manner that inspires obedience, not rebellion.
While it's true that children and teenagers are always curious and willing to try everything even if there are clear warnings, many get into the habit because of poor guidance by parents or those around them. Adults should do everything they can to guide young people into developing healthier habits - and avoid smoking all together.
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