A recent study performed by the National Youth Tobacco Survey has revealed a shocking number of middle and high-school students smoke tobacco-containing products. Approximately 1 in every 9 teenagers in this age group currently use tobacco based on this survey, with e-cigarettes being the most commonly used product (AAP, 2022). Tobacco can be harmful and addictive to people of all ages, including those who are exposed to second-hand smoke. Teenagers who smoke are at risk for serious health complications including nicotine addiction, long term lung problems, decreased exercise endurance and stamina, higher risk for cancer, and high blood pressure. Younger children exposed to smoke may develop asthma, ear infections, bronchitis, and other respiratory infections. We discuss the dangers of smoking with teenagers at their annual well checks, but this is also an important topic for parents to discuss with their children as well.
If you or your child use tobacco (cigarettes, vaping, chewing tobacco, or other products), there are programs that can assist with quitting smoking or provide more information on tobacco prevention. Visit this Healthy Children Smoking article to learn more about the dangers of smoking and to view some of the available resources to quit smoking.
Schering, S. (2022, November 10). Study: 1 in 9 U.S. middle, high school students using tobacco. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). https://publications.aap.org/aapnews/news/22601/Study-1-in-9-U-S-middle-high-school-students-using?searchresult=1