Teenagers smoking

[lee_lee]

I am a singlemum studying health and social care at college at the moment I am researchin ght ereasons why teenagers smoke under the legal age.  Has anyone got children who smoke? do you know why they smoke? or does anyone have opinions on why teenagers smoke? thanks for your help

[lee_lee]

Andy do you still smoke now?

[hectic]

I agree with Andy Hughes (mind you who doesn't), I started as a result of peer pressure and wanting to look "cool" and older, I definately didn't start because I liked it cause I didn;t but felt presuured into it really, I didn't even like the taste but wasn't strong enough not to do it.

[Loosehead]

Yes, It's peer pressure and often with girls they think it helps stay slim. If they could only smell themselves!

About 15 years ago a couple of teenage girls asked me if I had any cigarettes, I gave them a bit of a lecture mainly about the cost, ie it's effectively giving yourself a daily fine, they looked at me like I was mad. I often wonder if those girls remember that day and wish they'd listened, maybe they did listen but I doubt it! 

[ajcmum]

I am also a single mum, to a 13 year old boy.  I have recently found out he is smoking, and I have tried everything, but he still does it when he is out with his mates.  It is purely because all his mates smoke, and he just wanted to be "one of the gang".

I also think it is a dirty, disgusting habit and have never smoked myself.

[Bottom]

Hi lee_lee

I smoked from 12/14yrs old, just because my friends did it and you do get pressured in to it. I am now 25 and just gave up due to pregnanacy. I found it really hard for the first 2 weeks.

The danger is if you start smoking early it becomes a habit then you can not give up.

[Liza B]

Hi I have 5 children 17year old daughter, 15 year old twin boys and 12 year old boy and girl twins.              Neither my husband or I smoke, hubby is very anti-smoking (his parents smoke). Our eldest has been smoking since 14 and one of the 15 year olds smoke, both say they don't but  we know they do. They have had all the talks, we don't give them much money and they still do it. Nothing you can do or say will stop kids in this day and age, we just hope they will see the light and stop. I think it is peer pressure, I smoke for a year when I was 16 and stopped when I met hubby who hated the smell.

[pompomfairy]

hi im a 15 year old girl and i did try smoking for a little while because my parents smoke ive got used to it and my friends started to smoke as well it is totally disgusting my mum and dad never knew i tryed smoking but i never will try it again i think epople try smoking because all the popular "hard" people at skool do it and they think o kool ill just try it and then they do it to look cool and then they do it every lunchtime and break time and they get addictted to it and need 1 in everyday life. teenagers get there hands on fags and stuff by getting there parents to get it 4 them or goin into a shop and getting it themselves or asking an adult or older mate to do it for them