Abinayaa Vigneswaran
The recurrence of smoking has now become an outbreak embedded in many younger pupils’ lifestyles and routines after having a decline over the last couple of decades. Whether that is smoking cigarettes, vapes, or marijuana, the popularity due to social media and trends has had a major impact on younger pupils.
How has smoking become popular?
In the last couple of decades, smoking has been interpreted as a negative activity. There are many reasons why this has now changed, beginning with the introduction of vapes, which has caused a rise in smoking as it is seen amongst the population as a harmless substitute to cigarettes. With the releases of flavours such as blue razz and strawberry burst, they have exponentially targeted a younger audience as main consumers. The sixth form and college environment can be stressful due to study loads, which can cause turning to smoke. Another important factor is a lack of awareness of the harmfulness and toxins that come with smoking as influencers and celebrities on social media represent smoking as a trend overpowering its negative views. Smoking is significantly encouraged by social groups. People may feel pressured to attempt smoking in order to fit in if it becomes accepted in the group. The idea that smoking makes one appear “cool” or mature.
So why is smoking so bad for you?
Cigarettes contain harmful chemicals and nicotine, which causes increased blood pressure, and higher risks of strokes and heart attacks. Also causes serious damage to the lungs, promoting conditions such as lung cancer and bronchitis. Nicotine is a well-known addictive substance, which is a common lead to smoking reoccurrence, making it very difficult to quit once normalised in pupils’ lifestyles. Smoking also leads to anxiety and depression, leading to higher rates of suicidal cases as well as early ageing causing wrinkles and dull complexion.
Even though vapes are marketed as safer alternatives to smoking, they also contain nicotine, harmful chemicals and heavy metals, which also elevate risks of lung and heart problems. Some disposable vapes are found to have more nicotine than traditional cigarettes, making them more addictive and increasing the recurrence of smoking.
How to quit smoking?
NHS provides support to help those trying to quit smoking with nicotine replacement therapies, nicotine-free medicines, using patches and gum, behavioural support, one-to-one counselling, and quit-smoking apps. There are also nicotine-free vapes such as Ripple that have been introduced to help vapers. So, are you going to follow this dangerous trend or put a stop to it?
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