Summer Popular Time for Teens to Start SmokingNovember 18, 2002
Research Summary
Many U.S. teens start smoking in the summertime, when they are out of school and away from responsibility, Reuters reported Nov. 13. In a new study by the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, more teens started smoking during the summer months than any other time of year.
The study tracked 826 adolescents who were attending a state-mandated program to help them stop smoking. In responding to a questionnaire, 47 percent of the teens said they started smoking during May, June, July, or August.
Overall, May and June were the most popular months in which teens started to smoke.
Dr. Stacey L. Stevens, lead author of the study, said the findings show that programs designed to curb teen smoking should take place beyond schools.
"We can't rely on our schools totally," Stevens said. "The community needs to get involved to help keep kids from smoking, at least in the summertime."
The researchers speculated that teens start smoking in the summer because it provides more opportunities for freedom and free time. "At school, they're supervised from at least 8 to 3," said Stevens.
The study's findings were released at the 130th annual meeting of the American Public Health Association, held recently in Philadelphia, Pa.
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