High school smokers cool kids – Back when smoking wasn’t really seen as all that bad for you smoking was the coolest thing around and all the cool kids at school did it. Now with all the knowledge we have on the death sticks that must have changed right? Well not according to a recent study which is claiming the cool kids still smoke!
High school smokers cool kids
High school smokers cool kids
So the study authored by Thomas Valente found that “the most popular kids in seven predominantly Hispanic/Latino high schools in southern California were more likely to smoke cigarettes than were other students. It turns out that just thinking your friends are smokers — even if they aren’t — makes you more likely to smoke. And the more popular you are, the earlier you’re likely to start.” according to a report in the US News.
I must say I am not surprised by the research and would imagine it is fairly consistent across all sectors of society. Teens feel like they can take anything and that they will stop smoking after a while so the health aspect doesn’t always come into their minds. The cost is obviously a factor but that can pale in comparison if you want to hang with the cool kids.
Sadly cool is often associated with a rebel streak and that will likely never change. Smoking is something that is not allowed and therefore fits in perfectly with the rebel image and standing up to what adults tell you to do.
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Education and better monitoring of kids by parents and teachers may help reduce the smoking issue but sadly some kids just will get addicted and carry on the habit into adulthood. By the time someone is hooked giving up can obviously become particularly difficuly.
I personally never smoked, being put off by parents who smoked, however I know that most if not all of my friends at least tried it and some smoked for a period of time. Luckily very few still smoke today.
Did you start smoking due to peer pressure in school?
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