Teenage Smoking as a Direct Result of Peer Pressure

 Around 5,000 chemicals make up the complex, dynamic, and reactive composition of cigarettes and their byproducts (smoke and ash). Cigarette smoking has the capacity to injure almost every organ in the human body, brings on a plethora of ailments, and has an effect on the health of both smokers and those who come into contact with them. Long-term health effects of smoking include an increased risk of stroke and brain damage. Peer pressure is one of the main causes of cigarette smoking among students.

Most adult smokers start smoking before the age of 18, and many get hooked before they graduate from high school. Therefore, why do kids light up in the first place?

• Both of their parents smoke.
• Peer pressure: Their peers persuade them to start smoking and to continue.
• They view smoking as a form of independence and defiance.
• They believe that since everyone else is smoking, so should they.
• Ingenious marketing strategies have been utilized by the tobacco industry to specifically target teens.
• The price is appropriate; in regions with low tobacco taxes, it is simpler for children to afford smokes.
• Most teenagers just enjoy trying new things, but they lack the maturity to consider the long-term repercussions.
• Nicotine is a "feel-good" substance that doesn't make you drunk.

Most elementary school students and the first few years of middle school have never tried smoking. Most people who say they won't ever smoke cigarettes do so with sincerity. However, some people will become more receptive to the idea of smoking as they age.

Teenagers experience social pressure in a variety of ways, such as through listening to and wearing the most recent musical tastes and fashion fads. One of the biggest influencers on your child at this stage of life is their peers, particularly when it comes to harmful habits like smoking.  The children are expressing their independence and figuring out who they are during the pre-teen and adolescent years. However, they continue to strive for their peers' acceptance and frequently fret about being turned down. They experience peer pressure as being tugged in two different directions. 

Teenagers who don't smoke, however, cite their parents as one of the key reasons, according to current behavioral research.

Here are some practical suggestions to assist your kid resist giving in to peer pressure:

• Establish limits: Add smoking to the list of prohibited behaviors. Make sure they are aware of the negative effects smoking has on one's health as well as the penalties for disobeying the law.

• Control stress: Watch out for indications of stress. Identify with their emotions and assist them in setting priorities for their tasks.

• Promote autonomous thought: People are less susceptible to peer pressure when they trust themselves more.

• Display and instruct empathy: You may encourage your child to trust oneself by demonstrating empathy for their feelings and valuing their views.

• Involve them: Consider encouraging them to join organizations or clubs that are relevant to their interests.

-MD ARMAN