Young People Are Winning the Fight Against Smoking

A Major Shift in Teen Smoking Rates

In 2024, only a tiny fraction of middle and high school students are smoking, according to health experts. This is a huge deal because just a couple of decades ago, almost one-third of teens were smokers.

The Social Media Influence

But here's the twist: social media might be trying to bring smoking back into style. Some Instagram accounts are posting pictures of celebrities with cigarettes, making smoking look cool and trendy. This could be a problem because young people often look up to these stars and influencers.

The Serious Health Risks

Smoking is not just a bad habit; it's a serious health risk. Most long-term smokers started when they were teenagers. The damage from smoking doesn't show up right away, but it can lead to serious problems like:

• Lung disease
• Cancer
• Heart issues

Even e-cigarettes, which are popular among Gen Z, come with unknown long-term risks.

How to Keep the Progress Going

To keep this progress going, experts suggest:

• Banning smoking in public places
• Raising taxes on tobacco
• Stopping illegal sales to minors

The fight against smoking is not over yet.