Do your friends smoke?

One of the chief reasons given by youngsters to take up smoking is peer pressure.Too frequently we come across students and youths taking up smoking to look cool amongst their friends' circle. This is because of the human need to feel accepted, to feel that they belong. In fact, studies have shown that rate of smoking amongst individuals who have 3 or more friends who smoke, is 10 times greater than for an individual who doesn't have smokers as friends.Though it is possible that individuals may be subjected to coercion from their peers to smoke, it is more likely that they took up the habit of their own accord,to show others that they can do it as well. But these youngsters do not realize the detrimental effects of smoking, both to themselves and to those around. We also do come across smokers who try to warn their friends to keep away from the harmful habit of smoking. But they are often few and far between.All of us must understand that an ideal friend would never encourage his/her peer to take up smoking.Most importantly, we must also realize that all chain smokers started out as casual smokers. Once you pick up the habit, it is very difficult to quit. Thus, it is in our best interests to not pick it up at all.



If an individual is bullied it is crucial for the individual to talk to someone for example a parent, teacher, or friend for help. During adolescence, children try to declare their independence and discover their identity. However, they still yearn for the endorsement of their action by peers. They are often unnecessarily bothered about the prospect of being discarded. It has been established that adolescents act in accordance with their observation which do not at all times correspond to reality.

As far as smoking cigarettes is concerned, children are undoubtedly guided by the action of their peers. Studies have revealed that the rate of smoking among children with three or more friends who smoke is 10 times greater in comparison to the rate among children who do not have friends who smoke.