Effects Of Smoking

Protecting Our Future -- The effects of smoking on teens

The effects of smoking on teens is something that all people, not just parents should worry about. Teens are our future and so it is in our best interest to protect them from harmful substances such as smoking.

There are many different effects of smoking on teens. Some of these include: a higher risk of trying alcohol and gateway drugs such as marijuana, more violent behavior, shortness of breath, and a higher heart rate. Besides the health risks involved, there are problems concerning behavioral patterns that should be regarded just as important. Teenage smokers are obviously more likely to go on to become smokers for life and are also more likely to try out stronger drugs. This will of course eventually lead to erratic behavior and a higher chance that the teen will become a criminal. From a social standpoint, this is something serious and not desired. As adults, we should be more responsible and set an example to teens by quitting ourselves.

It is a fact that teens from smoking families are much more likely to start smoking because they don't see smoking as wrong or dangerous. Parents must talk to their teens and if they are smoking, help them quit. A great way may to quit together. Teens often are confused about smoking and think that they can quit anytime. Even if this was the case, quitting only gets harder as time passes and later on, it may already be too late. The tobacco industry targets their advertisements at teens for a reason. They know that one of the effects of smoking on teens is that teenage smoking usually leads to a lifetime of smoking. Don't let the tobacco industry take away our future and talk to your teen about smoking.