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.

COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE:

Your Turn! Post a public comment (read guidelines):

Name:
Comment: (limit 200 words)
Enter this word (help):	Change

GUIDELINES: 
To keep this feature useful for everyone, please:

1. Keep it clean, courteous, focused, and on-topic. Comments are meant for thoughtful discussion of the article published above.
   
   
2. Do not post personal requests for help or general promotions for your organization (Get help).
   
   
3. Proof your comments carefully, use good spelling and punctuation, and don't use ALL CAPS. Comments are published immediately and cannot be edited.

Deceptive, slanderous and commercially-motivated posts are prohibited. We reserve the right to remove comments not conforming to these guidelines. (Report a comment).

Have questions or feedback? Contact us.