During your teenage years, some risks are good, like trying new activities or sports. Going away to camp or to school in a different place from where your family lives can be exciting; it's an adventure. You are taking a risk, doing something you haven't done before and feeling unsure about it. Usually those risks pay off. You make new friends, develop new talents, expand your interests and increase your self-confidence. You become more independent with every challenge you successfully tackle.

However, risk-taking behavior such as drinking, smoking, driving too fast or using a weapon usually has negative effects. Luckily, according to a survey by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), some risk-taking behaviors among teenagers have declined since 1997. Injury-related behaviors such as carrying and using a weapon or being involved in a physical fight have decreased. But, the number of teenagers abusing drugs, alcohol and cigarettes and other tobacco products is still high. Although the number of teens who currently smoke has gradually declined since 1996, more than four million youths between ages 12 and 17 are smokers, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

To find more information about smoking and how to stop, contact:
National Center for Tobacco-Free Kids
1400 Eye Street, Suite 1200
Washington DC 20005
Phone: 202-296-5469
Fax: 202-296-5427
www.tobaccofreekids.org