Persuasive Essay On Teen Smoking

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Teens smoking has been a public concern for centuries. In a recent article published earlier this year by Fox News, highlighted the rate and risks of teens smoking and the rise of e-cigarettes. One of the main questions posed was, why do teens smoke? There is no definite answer, however, biology has provided a few explanations: Scientific studies shows that, until adolescents are in their twenties their brains are not equipped enough to evaluate and determine the risks and consequences of their actions. This creates vulnerability making them an ideal target for tobacco companies. Luckily, the federal government has set strict rules that limit tobacco companies whose advertisements target minors. Though the rate has dropped for tobacco cigarettes …show more content…

In a recent survey among high school students, studies shows that most are aware that heavy smoking is bad, but fail to realize that light smoking is just as dangerous. Which is very concerning, since e-cigarettes are being advertised as less dangerous; even with the little research and its lack of regulations on social media. The article seems to be leaning more towards the supportive side of e-cigarette being safer by referencing statements made by others such as “ ...The American Health Association stated that e-cigarettes may provide a low-risk nicotine replacement therapy for smokers trying to kick the habit. If that’s the case, e-cigarettes would fall into the same category as the nicotine patch or gum”, (Carstensen, 2) in just about every paragraph. An opposing opinion to this was that the use of e-cigarettes might be a “gateway drug” that leads teens to experiment with other drugs because they are still developing and still very vulnerable. After reading this article it had me thinking celebrities really do have an obligation to be positive role models. The article mentions an ad that showed celebrities such as Rihanna and Orlando Bloom smoking cigarettes, captioned “Unpaid Tobacco Spokesperson”. I personally believe that they do have an obligation whether or not they choose to be a positive role model, these impressionable and vulnerable kids look up to them for inspiration. It is up to every individuals to break this cycle of smoking among teens, that has been an important public health issue since the sixties and it still is

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