Smoking among youths has always been a persistent public health concern for decades. Despite efforts to curb the trend, the number of young people taking up smoking continues to rise.
Most youths at this age are unduly influenced by friends and social circles to engage in bad habits such as smoking. Beyond proper parental upbringings, peer influence is real, and a parent will not always be there to monitor the activities of their wards.
To add to this, social media is not helping matters. Glamorization of smoking on social media platforms and celebrity endorsements contribute to its appeal.
Beyond the initial appeal, smoking has a lot of dangers to the smokers and those around them. Nicotine itself is highly addictive, making it incredibly difficult to quit once you start.
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Furthermore, smoking increases the chances of developing various cancers, particularly lung, mouth, and throat cancers. The harmful effects extend to the heart as well, with smoking being a major risk factor for heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes. To make matters worse, research suggests a link between smoking and mental health issues like depression and anxiety. In short, smoking poses a serious threat to physical and mental well-being.
The increase of smoking amongst youths requires immediate attention and action. We must save our future by curbing the increasing trend in this activity. If we all work together to implement effective solutions, we can help protect the young people from the harmful effects of smoking and promote a healthier future for generations to come.
Marvelous Awe, a 300 Level student wrote from Edo
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