More and more Youngsters Smoke

Published on May 22nd, 2009 05:30

Most of people, especially youngster, smoke or tried to smoke. And every year more and more children start smoking. For example, according to a national health survey, more young Singaporeans are lighting up now.

The influence of tobacco smoking among young men, aged 18 to 29 years old, jumped to 25.4 percent in 2007, from 18.2 percent in 2004.

Even women smokers in the same age group also increased from 6.6 percent in 2004 to 9.1 percent in 2007, according to the national health survey conducted by the Health Promotion Board (HPB).

The youngster, many of whom started the cigarette taste as early as 16, also formed the majority (17.2 percent) of Singapore residents who smoke at least a stick of cigarette a day.

In general, young Singaporeans aged 18 to 69 smoke more cigarettes than other smokers from other countries.

The survey also found that male smokers in Singapore puffed away an average of 13 cigarettes a day, while females smoked an average of 9 cigs.

One in three smokers said they smoked to help ease stress and for relaxation. But almost 40 percent of those surveyed expressed an intention to quit smoking.

So many people are putting their health in danger by smoking. Smoking is like a deadly disease but youths are still feeling proud of smoking. Youngsters smoke due to insecurity. They choose to smoke to get rid of mental stress and other emotional problems.

In spite of all the health warnings, youngsters continue to get enthusiastic on tobacco. Even though they all know that it's bad for them. It can be concluded that a superficial knowledge of the health risks is not enough to convince youngsters to not smoke.