The teens told the magazine they know they are targets of ad campaigns and that the ads do attract them, that they smoke to rebel against authority and that they smoke to be like their peers. Most were not seriously concerned about the health risks and most believed they would be able to stop smoking when they chose to. If you are a teen considering smoking, keep in mind that 90 percent of people who become life-long smokers started when they were teens. Starting to use an addictive product that eventually kills one-third of the people who use it is a very serious decision. If you are a parent, talk to your teens about smoking.
Studies show teens are more likely to smoke if their parents smoke.
If you have tried to quit and failed, talk to your child about why you failed and how difficult the habit is to break. If you are a smoker who wants to quit, enlist the help of your family, friends and physician. As smoking becomes less acceptable socially, and as evidence of the health risks mounts, more and more products and programs aim at helping smokers end addiction. Your doctor can give you more information about which of these products or programs may be best for you. Smoking is a dangerous and, for many, a lethal habit.