One of the most serious health problems facing our nation is cigarette smoking Most smokers develop the habit during their teen years, so this project has been designed to provide information for middle school students specifically. Why do people smoke when it is so bad for them? That is a question that everybody will most likely ask themselves. There is no definite answer, but there are some leads. People smoke because of the way cigarettes are advertised and where they are shown. People also smoke because they believe smoking will make them act, look, and/or feel different. Advertising techniques are one of the main reasons that people begin to smoke Ads directed to teens and young adults send out mixed messages for us to misinterpret. They send out the message, "If you smoke, you will be popular, and desirable" without coming out and saying it. Instead they show people having fun with a large group, which makes you think if you smoke that brand, you can have that much fun too. The people in the add are normally active, but when you smoke, your lungs are so damaged, it's hard to run and play sports. Another reason why people start smoking could be from living with people who smoke. Children who grow up with smokers take up the habit more frequently then those who grow up in a smoke-free home. There are many reasons why people start to smoke but is it worth it to start? Next time you see a cigarette ad, think about the truth and don't fall into the advertiser's trap.

By now, everybody should know that smoking is harmful and can also lead to death. Smoking can lead to emphysema and asthma. These are only two of the many consequences of smoking. Smoking is not only harmful for the user, but it also affects the harmless people around the user that inhale the filthy smoke. This is called second-hand smoke. All parts of the body are affected when you smoke. Your face, your finger tips, and many others. Smoking can make you also have wrinkles and it tightens your skin. So, when you are 16 and still smoking by 20, you will look 35.

Teenage smoking has become a big problem in the United States as well as the rest of the world. Almost half the percent of teenagers who smoke never admit they have a problem. Once these teenagers start to smoke they become addicted physically and psychologically and that's the part that makes it tough for them to quit. Teenage smoking is being promoted to kids through magazines, and television shows. Even though cigarette advertisements have been banned from television, it's not enough. We have to find a way to ban all these things because it's putting kids' lives in danger.
There are many reasons why teenagers smoke. One of the most common reasons is peer pressure. Kids have a hard time resisting doing what their friends want. Teenagers who smoke are more likely to have lower self images. They start smoking because they think it will give them a better image like being cooler, more attractive, or more popular. Because of their low self image, they don't have the confidence to "say no" when a cigarette is offered to them. Teenagers who are smoking become addicted because of the nicotine and that makes it harder for them to quit. Cigarette advertisements are designed to make people think that smoking is cool and that everyone does it. These misleading ads appear to increase kids' smoking. The companies also say that they are not persuading their customers to smoke, their customers are deciding for themselves.