Young People Are Winning the Fight Against Smoking

Gen Z is setting a new standard in the fight against smoking. The numbers are clear: far fewer teens are picking up cigarettes compared to past generations. This is a huge win, but there's a catch. Social media might be trying to reverse this progress. Some Instagram accounts are posting images of famous people smoking, making it look like a cool thing to do. This is concerning because young people often copy what they see online. Experts are worried that these posts could make smoking seem more normal and appealing than it really is. Smoking is not just a bad habit; it's a serious health issue. Most smokers start young, and the damage builds up over time. It can lead to lung disease, cancer, and heart problems. Even e-cigarettes, which are popular among teens, have risks that are not fully understood. To keep this progress going, experts suggest stricter rules. Banning smoking in public places, raising tobacco taxes, and cracking down on illegal sales to minors could help. The fight against smoking is not over, and staying alert is key.