There is nothing new about teenagers smoking. For a number of years, the media would show smoking teens in movies and in television, and not always in such a way that teenagers smoking cigarettes was a bad thing. At times, the picture of the smoking teen has almost made the act a rite of passage, something that everyone does when they are growing up. Whatever the original intentions of the media, these pictures of teens smoking in movies and on television shows effectively acted as teen smoking advertising. The message received was of a dual nature. Yes, teenagers and smoking should not mix, but the fact is they do and it is just part of growing up. Even teens smoking marijuana don’t elicit much more than a quick gasp any more. Have we really become so jaded that we accept teen smoking and inevitable and we just have to put up with it?

Teens and smoking do not have to go together. There are a number of effective ways to bring about teen smoking cessation, if one is willing to invest the time and effort. One of the most effective means of combating the epidemic of the teen smoker is to accompany the reasons why smoking hurts teens with some up close and person results from teen smoking. Pictures of a lung eaten up with cancer may not elicit much response, but seeing one up close will make an impact. Being in the same room with someone who is on oxygen and has to remove the mask to take a puff, then take more oxygen in order to breathe can help drive the point home to teen smokers. Teens smoking do not give much thought of what will be tomorrow, unless confronted with the grim reality of what happens when you abuse the body with tobacco or other substances.

Teen smoking facts indicate that there is some small decrease from year to year. But it is not enough until the concept of teen smokers becomes something that is an interesting historical footnote. There must be a concerted effort among all people – parents, teachers, health care professionals, and even other teens – if the allure of teen smoking is to finally be laid to rest. While some think it can never be done, that is no excuse to not try. Every last person who is saved from a life and health wrecked by nicotine will make the effort well worth it.