In this 21st century, there are few health cautious teenagers who stay away from tobacco, while for many teenagers things have not changed and they still believe that smoking is cool and a modern trend.

Teenage smoking is widely prevailing around the world. Conventional wisdom depicts that teenagers start lighting up cigarettes for several reasons: to suppress feelings of sadness and anxiety; teenage rebellion; and peer acceptance. On the contrary, recent study reveals that smoking can really be the cause of teen depression.

The numerous contributing factors which influence teenage smoking are: lower self-esteem or self-image, lack of parent support/involvement, availability and price of tobacco, smoking by parents, use or approval of smoking by peers/siblings, low socio-economic status etc. Most of the teenagers who start their first cigarettes are unaware of the harmful effects they are exposed to. There are many dangerous consequences of teen smoking such as: reduced stamina, impaired immune system, bad breath, yellow teeth, stinky body, breathing problems etc. A teen smoker may develop chronic bronchitis, lung cancer, and cardiovascular diseases if he continues smoking for few years. Researches suggest that all first time smoking takes place before high school graduation. Parents can play a significant role in preventing their teens from smoking. Parents need to make their teens aware of the harmful effects of smoking consistently, work on their self-esteem, support them in their decisions, and encourage their talents. The proper care and guidance by the parents will help teens to stay away from smoking. Teenagers should be taught to handle their stress effectively in order to prevent the nasty habit of smoking.

Most teenage smokers do not realize the harm they are causing to themselves as well as their loved ones. Youngsters are fond of smoking and develop this habit to draw the attention of society. One major factor which contributes to a large extent in teenage smoking is group conformity. To stop the endemic of smoking in the world, it is primarily essential to stop the influx of new smokers that is teenage smokers. Youngsters continue to get enthusiastic on tobacco products despite knowing the harmful effects of it. Young generation desire to smoke as they feel smoking will dissolve their emotional problems and mental stress. Smoking can cause premature or untimely death and still teenagers’ sense proud in smoking. Most teenagers want to show their power and significance through smoking. It is vital to curb the practice of smoking among youth as they are the future of this world. It is the duty of every person to eliminate smoking from this planet and make future healthier and better.