The use of tobacco is not limited to adults. Smoking and other forms of tobacco use are also popular among children and teenagers. In a survey conducted in 2005 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 54 percent of high school students had tried smoking at some point in their lives. The younger a person is when they begin to smoke, the more likely they will be an adult smoker.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that more than 4,000 children try their first cigarette every day and 2,000 of them will become regular smokers. The CDC estimates that one-third of children who smoke will eventually die from this habit due to cancer, heart disease or some other lung disease.

Overall, the 2005 survey reported that one out of five high school students were smokers. They rate was similar between boys and girls, although white students were more likely to smoke than other ethnic groups.

Despite the dangers of smoking, many children are drawn to the habit in response to peer pressure. Other motivations may include appearing older or tough, feeling independent, losing weight or participating in tobacco company promotions. Some youngsters may mistakenly believe that low-tar or filtered cigarettes are “safe” compared to regular cigarettes. According to the Surgeon General, there is no safe form of tobacco – and that includes tobacco in all of its various forms.

The number of young adults who smoke has been declining over the past decade. However, the number of teens who smoke is as high, if not higher than that the number of adults, according to the ACS. Experts believe that the reason is due to the heavy influence of television, movies and advertising by the tobacco companies. The ACS points out that the tobacco industry often looks to children to replace the customers who quit smoking or die from a smoking–related disease, such as lung cancer.

Parents should try as much as possible to prevent their children from smoking in the first place. The ACS reported that teenagers who thought their parents whould disapprove of them smoking were less than half as likely to smoke as those who had unconcerned parents. If a child has started smoking, parents should use their influence and available resources to help them quit the habit.