Episode 208: Smoking Youths

Smoking is becoming more prevalent amongst Singapore’s youth.

According to the National Health Survey in 2004, 12.6% of Singapore’s population is smokers. 19.2% of these smokers are young adults aged between 18 to 24, one third of whom are women. What’s more worrying is the males in this age group experimented with smoking at the age of 14, while the females started trying it out at around 15.

One of the stories featured is “Edward” who picked up smoking from his dad and who only finally quit when he saw his own son trying to imitate him. The other story is 18 year old “Vivian” who started smoking after her boyfriend dumped her. Influenced by friends, she picked up the habit as a way to distress and consequently, she suffered the negative effects of smoking. Instead of 18, she looked like a woman in her 30s!

It is not uncommon for youths to turn to smoking to relax, out of curiosity or for fun, or because of peer pressure from friends. Yet once they pick up the habit, it’s always proven difficult to kick. Tab TV chats with ex-smokers, Jaime Teo and Randall Tan to find out more.

by MediaCorp