Teen Smoking
Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Tobacco use usually begins in early adolescence or the teen years. In fact, 9 out of 10 smokers started smoking before the age of 21. Even though smoking rates have been declining among Americans, teenagers still smoke at a higher rate than adults.
Facts about Cleveland High School Students & Smoking
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More than half (53.8%) have tried smoking cigarettes
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Almost 15% (14.1) of these students smoked their first cigarette before the age of 13
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17% of students predict they will probably or definitely smoke in the next year
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More students are smoking cigars, little cigars or cigarellos (27.4%) than cigarettes (10.4%)
(source: 2007 Steps to a Healthier Cleveland YRBS Report, conducted by Case Center for Adolescent Health)
What Teens Believe about Smoking
These are the top 5 myths that teens believe about smoking:
- Smoking is a "rite of passage," a way to be grown up or more of an adult.
- Smoking is glamorous; it is something that successful, attractive people do.
- It's normal - everybody does it.
- It's not really harmful; it can't be that bad if so many people are doing it.
- Smoking helps you relax in a social setting.
Preventing Teen Smoking
Teen smoking might begin innocently enough, often as a result of curiosity or peer pressure. But it can become a lifelong habit with devastating health consequences.
Check out these successful anti-smoking campaigns that target young people:
