Smoking is a common problem adults, but the habit develops when you are in teen. Teen smoking is an increasingly difficult problem, that needs care and attention.

Smoking“It's easy to quit smoking, I have done it hundred times” - is this the common thing you hear from smokers? Then welcome on board. Tackle them because they need to know how to survive with dignity.

I have read quotes like “Recycling and speed limits are bullshit, they're like someone who quits smoking on his deathbed”, and “One thousand people stop smoking every day - by dying”. So it's better that people understand the risk and pain of taking rubbish in their mouth!!

Reports states that, If you haven't started smoking by the time you are a teen, it is likely that you never become a smoker. Research further reveal that 90 % of those people who have died due to smoking related diseases, have started smoking in their teens. Understanding why teens smoke as well as the physical and social implications of teen smoking can help parents talk to their kids about smoking.

Why Teens Start Smoking
Teens know that smoking can kill you, despite they get in to the habit of smoking. Teens start smoking because of peer pressure and naive perceptions of nicotine addiction. They don't comprehend the addictive properties of nicotine or perceive it as a drug, reports a website. Teens can experience the same nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms as an adult. A study also shows that teens are more likely to smoke if they have friends who smoke or if they feel alienated at school or college or just to get the hang of it.

Of course Smoking is injurious to health
The long term effects of smoking, such as lung cancer or heart disease, seem to have little impact to deter teen smoking. However, there are several immediate side-effects to smoking to serve as deterrents to teen smokers, such as bad skin, bad breath, bad-smelling clothes and hair, increased risk of illness, poor healing time and reduced athletic performance. The teens who smoke actually have smaller lungs and a weaker heart than teen who are non-smokers. They also report that teens who smoke might experience changes in the lungs and reduced lung growth as an adult.

Nicotine is a very powerful and addictive drug. Nicotine, a stimulant, leaves its user with a pleasant feeling. Teens who experience this "high" often choose to experiment with other substances. It's also proved that teens who smoke are three times more likely to use alcohol, eight times more likely to smoke marijuana and twenty-two more times likely to use cocaine.

Teen Smoking - Behavioral Risks
The American Cancer Association reports that, teen smokers are more likely than their non-smoking peers to get in fights, carry weapons, attempt suicide, suffer from mental health problems such as depression and to engage in high-risk sexual behaviors. Other risks include poor academic and athletic performance, school drop-out rates, pregnancy, stealing and other delinquent behaviors.

Teen Smoking - Parental Guidance

• Because teen smoking can become a life-long habit, it is important for parents to help educate their teens about the ill-effects of smoking. New research suggests that good parenting is the best way to prevent teenage smoking. Experts recommend that parents talk to their teens about the dangers of smoking, teach them skills to help cope with peer pressure and be good examples as only two percent of smokers have parents who don't smoke.
• Reject the teen's reasons for starting smoking. Many young people light up because they think it makes them look more mature, but you need to explain that it doesn't. Tell your teen that many of her peers will look down on smoking and that there are no benefits, only health problems, from using nicotine.
• Explain how smoking will play a huge influence in everyday decisions made by your teen. Once he starts smoking, your son will be wondering when and where he can go for his smoke break. Simple activities, like hanging out at the mall or movies, will be disrupted by the need to go out for a cigarette.
• Talk about the costs of smoking. Spending money on cigarettes will mean that your teen has less money to buy music, clothes, snacks and everything else she wants.
• Discourage smoking at home. Punish your teen by restricting phone and Internet time if they smells like cigarettes.
  
• Bring up the health problems that smokers face. Increased risk of several types of cancer, shortness of breath, circulation problems and yellow teeth are all realities that can help discourage your teen from starting smoking. Explain that some of these physical problems affect even casual smokers.
• Many teens are pressured into smoking because they think it will help them fit in and make more friends. If you take steps to build a teen's self esteem, you can help prevent him from starting smoking.

Teen Smoking - Build Self-Esteem

• Encourage your teen to play a sport at school. Regular exercise and athletic accomplishments will often help build self esteem to prevent smoking. Many student athletes shy away from cigarettes because they understand the health problems that come from smoking.
• Talk to your teen about different ways to cope with stress, worries and social pressure. Look for an outlet to release these feelings, like music or the visual arts, to help prevent smoking. Persuade your teen to exhibit these skills for friends to build confidence and social skills.
• Respect and accept your teen for the choices he/she makes to help boost her self esteem. Lay down clear rules for school work and leisure time, but allow your teen some breathing space and independence.
• Teach them how to make friends with classmates and peers, but to avoid the teens who are disruptive and unfocused.
• Urge your teen to solve social problems on her own, instead of relying on a teacher or parent. Discuss the kinds of decisions your teen will be making so that she knows how to handle situations the right way. As you build the teen's self esteem by preparing her to be independent, remind her that there are some situations, like violence and drug use, that should be handled by an adult.