This may include perception that smoking is a way to appear mature, help gain acceptance or a way to deal with stress. Some factors that influence a child to experiment with smoking include peer pressure, a perception that smoking is a normal part of life and easy availability of cigarettes. Peer pressure is a normal part of a child's life. The need to belong or be accepted by one's peers is a strong motivating force. Negative peer influence takes place when a child gives in to the pressure of his friends to do what he doesn't believe in or feel comfortable with.
Refusal carries the risk of being teased, taunted or ousted from the group of friends.
Depending on the child's level of self-confidence, this type of pressure can be very difficult to handle. Retail tobacco advertising in store aisles and at the checkout counter. A child will respect you when you show him that you honor your word. If you are a non-smoker, talk to your child about smoking without putting smokers down. If you smoke, don't smoke indoors and don't permit others to smoke in your home.