Adverse Effects of Smoking/Chewing Tobacco on Young People

Many young people today have an "invincibility complex," or the belief that they cannot be harmed by their actions. Consequently, such people don’t care about the harmful effects that can have adverse effects on their health.

While they may be fully aware of harmful effects of consuming tobacco, this does not stop the rise in young people smoking. It is a sad but true fact that youth and smoking and chewing tobacco is a crisis that needs to be dealt with.

How Common Is Smoking/chewing tobacco With Young People?

Smoking among the younger generation is more rampant than many people think. In India alone it is not uncommon to see even the school-going children either smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco. These trends need to be stopped, because of the dangerous health effects of tobacco consumption among young people that carry into adult life.

Why Do Young People Smoke or chew tobacco?

Peer Pressure

The number one reason that many young people start smoking regardless of the smoking effects on their health is peer pressure. Someone they respect or wish to emulate gives them a chance to start smoking, and tells them they will be fine. The kids do not want to appear "un-cool" and so they start smoking.

Easy Availaility

Cigarettes and gutkhas (masalas) are easily available in neighborhood. Many people deliberately set up small shops selling such tobacco products near school & college premises. Although laws are there which prevents such shops from selling tobacco products near school & college premises, they are hardly implemented due to corruption.

Advertising

Another reason that kids take to smoking is because of the advertising of the cigarette manufacturers. Cigarette ads are aimed at the young, making smoking look like the cool, popular thing to do. Things emphasized by cigarette ads are young adults who have a strong sex appeal, or things that appeal to young guys, like weapons, cowboys, and other things. Kids are given the idea that smoking makes you sexy, strong, and invincible!

Desire to Look Mature

Sometimes kids take up smoking because they want to look mature. After all, smoking is considered an "adult" behavior, and they think they will look cool when they smoke, or that they will look more grown up.

Rebellion

Finally, many kids take up smoking because they want to rebel against their authorities. No matter what the activity, if you tell kids they cannot or should not do something, some will want to do it simply to buck against their authority.