The Pros & Cons of Teen Smoking

Some teens see smoking as a way to boost their social image.

A lot of smokers get into the habit in early adolescence, and almost of them get started with their tobacco usage before the age of high school graduation, according to the University of Nebraska Medical Center, or UNMC. Unless society pays more attention to this problem, smoking-related illnesses could ultimately cause as many as 5 million U.S. children to die premature deaths, according to an estimate from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Weighing Pros and Cons

The number of teenagers who smoke has gone up one-third since 1991, according to the UNMC. One way to address this problem is to get teens to weigh the pros and cons of their smoking habit. According to research by University of California Merced psychologist Anna V. Song, teens do tend to think about the risks and benefits of their actions before they decide to start smoking. Those who think smoking is a risky habit that offers them little value are less likely to smoke, according to Song.

Perceived Benefits

The benefits that teens see in smoking are mostly about providing a boost to their image. Smoking might help them fit in with a particular group of friends. Or the practice may make them feel independent and cool. Some expect that smoking will help them lose weight. Overall, they expect that smoking will make them feel better about themselves. Talking to teens about the negative effects of smoking, which they are less likely to focus on, might help.

Appearance

One way to get a teenager's attention is to address issues that are important to him. Try to appeal to his vanity, and point out how smoking can damage his appearance and presentation. Smoking will make his breath and clothes smell like tobacco and will discolor his teeth.

Health

Smoking is the leading cause of death due to cancer in the United States, according to the UNMC. Smoking accounts for 87 percent of lung cancers in the country, and it also leads to cancer of the mouth, larynx, esophagus and other body parts. Teens should be warned that smoking could give them a constant cough and tax their energy, leaving less energy for activities such as sports.

References

• Mayo Clinic: Tween and teen health / Teen smoking: 10 ways to help teens stay smoke-free
• University of Nebraska Medical Center: Researchers to study teen smoking cessation model
• University of California, Merced: When it Comes to Tobacco, Teens Do Weigh Pros and Cons