Tuesday, October 17, 2006 Rising number of teenage smokers
IT IS alarming to see that the young population is into smoking despite the numerous warning of its harmful effects. This could not be disputed as we see daily how the young are being "hooked" to it.
This is further strengthened by an article entitled Teenage Smokers Soar Above the Adults in a survey conducted in the University of Michigan.
Teenage smoking has increased in the last 20 years based on a report by Susan E. Mason in the Facts About Teenage Smoking.
Nineteen percent of males (19%) and 27% of females are regular smokers. More and more female teenagers are shown to become cigarette smokers than the male teens.
In the Philippines, tobacco use of the population ranks number 51 of the 152 countries studied. It is not far fetched that here in our country, smoking in the young is steadily increasing.
Perhaps, it would be better understood if we look into the reasons why our youth start smoking. Reports have cited several contributing factors in starting smoking.
Early in childhood, when the child sees his parents, close relatives and friends smoke, the impression he gets is that it is A- okay to do so. In their young minds smoking is not really that bad since his role models are really the same persons who will safeguard his well being.
In effect, the child gets a tacit "consent" to start smoking should he decide to
do it. As they grow up, they see in television and big billboards how macho, beautiful and sexy are the men and women who endorse the product. Their favorite screen idols are shown enjoying a smoke. It seems fun and "cool" to be seen with a slowly smoldering cigarette in ones fingertips. It becomes a status symbol and it is equated with popularity.
By the time the teenage stage is reached, they have the notion that smoking will give them an edge over others. It is in this stage that curiosity sets in and some will succumb to smoking. This is also the time when they must do what their peers are up to so that they will belong to the "in-crowd." Since these teens want to be independent, they would want to rebel against the "olds" who does not understand what they want.
This is one time when they can defy rules set by the adults to show to the world that they are no longer a child. Besides it is the perfect time when they can project himself/herself in exactly the same manner as his role models: cool, collected mature and desirable. Well!
All the images conjured in the teens mind is only superficial for there is a much deeper effect that they ought to know when smoking is started. For one, smoking does not show that the beautiful men and women will not remain sexy and macho since smoking will bring about a wrinkled face, stained teeth and fingertips, dark discoloration of the lips and unpleasant smell of tobacco in one's breath and body knowing that smoke sticks to the skin, hair and clothing.
The effects that it brings to their health must not be disregarded either for it will last for a lifetime. They will end up sickly, old and worn earlier than their peers. In fact, a model for a certain cigarette company eventually died of lung cancer. Unknown to the public, models are often changed to maintain a good image for they become "undesirable" after some time.
What about peer pressure? Smoking is not a measure for gaining popularity nor does it exude an extra aura of being a somebody. There are a lot more productive activities like involving yourself in sports, music or arts that will bring about popularity that may be instrumental in bringing you to places. True friends would respect your decision not to indulge in smoking.
Stirring away from smoking will always make you appear beautiful and macho, healthy and desirable. One would look and smell good too. It is normal that the body reacts to the harmful effect of cigarettes. The first puff is usually awful that is why the body tries to clear itself of it by coughing out. This is the body's message to the teen that it is not good for him. Since nicotine is addicting, psychological and physical dependence follows suit.
Studies published have shown that "Puffing even One Cigarette in Childhood Increases the Odds of further Smoking." Surveys would show that (90%) of smokers wants to quit however, they find it difficult to do so still it can be done.
Perhaps, the questions to be asked before starting to smoke are: why start? is it necessary? is it worth it?....And the best strategy to adopt: don't even start and if you did, quit! Above all, love yourself and protect it from any harm.
